New and recommended children's books this February
2023 begins with a bang with many exciting new titles, including a time-slip story by Kate Constable, a beautiful new picture book about hope (the cover of which graces this month's Readings Monthly), a picture book about the creator of Blinky Bill, and a new middle grade novel by the author of beloved middle grade novel, Wildwood.
FEBRUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH
Tumbleglass by Kate Constable
When 13 year-old Rowan discovers a ring and puts it on, she and her sister are transported back to their same house during a party in 1999. But while they're there, Rowan accidentally disrupts the timeline and when she returns to the present day, her sister is gone and nobody even remembers her.
Rowan must travel back in time through the history of the house and piece together the clues to bring back her sister before its too late.
Suitable for readers aged 9 and up. You can read our staff review here.
FIVE FANTASTIC NEW TITLES THIS MONTH
Hope is the Thing by Johanna Bell & Erica Wagner
Sparked by the Emily Dickinson poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers', this lyrical text accompanied by glorious mixed media collages reflects and celebrates the diversity, ingenuity and wonder of birds. Celebrating the way hope endures in the world, even after hardship, this is a glorious picture book is full of positivity. As our reviewer says, Hope is the Thing 'celebrates the joy and beauty of small, everyday moments'.
You can read the full review here. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
Dorrie by Tania McCartney
This picture book about a little girl and her relationship with a koala is also the story of the childhood of famed Blinky Bill creator, Dorothy Wall, known by her family as Dorrie. Written and illustrated by the award-winning Tania McCartney, this is a gorgeous ode to the origins of one of Australia's most iconic children's books.
This charming story is suitable for ages 5 and up. You can read our staff review here.
The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy
Set in a dark and brooding Oregon, this eighties inspired supernatural horrror story is spooky in just the right way. Archie Coombes keeps noticing strange things happening in his town and he is pretty sure that it is related to the building site that his dad works on. So, Archie and his friends decide to investigate, aided by stories from the proprietor of the local video shop.
This spooky, beautifully written story is perfect for younger fans of Stranger Things, but is also utterly unique. Suitable for ages 9 and up.
Running with Ivan by Suzanne Leal
When Leo finds himself in a new home, new school and sharing a room with his new stepbrother, he wants to escape. Surprisingly, when he winds up his mother's old music box, he finds himself in 1930s Prague. There, he befriends Ivan and becomes involved in his life. He travels between the two time periods, until the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Prague, when Leo and Ivan find themselves running for their lives.
This is an gripping time slip adventure story that will be loved by readers aged 10 and up.
Pollination by Christopher Cheng & Danny Snell
This picture book is a gentle and informative introduction to the act of pollination, through a story about a young child discovering the plants, flowers and insects in the garden with their gran and pa. They learn about all the different creatures that pollinate flowers and the importance that pollination has to our food supply.
Beautifully illustrated by Danny Snell, this non-fiction story for younger readers is an absolute delight. Perfect for ages 5-8.
CLASSIC OF THE MONTH
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson
Our much-loved Readings Prize and Foundation Grants officer reviewed this thirty-year old board book that beautifully depicts separation anxiety this month. She wrote: 'Martin Waddell’s deeply empathetic text confronts the anxiety that all children feel if they realise their parents (especially their mum) is out of sight and might never come back ... It’s a keepsake that will remain in families for generations, parents reading to children, then grandchildren, everyone huddled together safely.'
This story is a magnificent testament to the power of love and the importance of family and is perfect for ages 18 months and up. You can read the full review here.
NEWS AND EVENTS
- Storytime has started up again at both our Kids and St Kilda shops. You can find experienced storytellers at our St Kilda shop every Saturday at 2pm and at the Kids shop in Carlton every Sunday at 10.30am.
- The new book by local author Caz Goodwin, Grace and Mr Milligan, is being launched at our Hawthorn shop on Saturday, February 25 at 11am. All are welcome. Find out more here.
- If you love lists, you will love this list of our bestselling children's and young adult titles of 2022. It's no surprise that the top-selling book of the year was The 156-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton. A worthy winner!
- Explore our collection of picture books with themes of self-esteem and confidence
