We are madly in love with our August Book of the Month, which is focused on discovering the tiny indicators of nature, even in the most crowded city. It’s an utter delight for picture book lovers.

We also have a stunning book featuring the most beautiful of nature’s insects – butterflies. Plus, a great picture book about sustainability, some wonderful fantasy stories for middle fiction readers, and our classic of the month, The Velveteen Rabbit, is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. That’s an impressive amount of time for one little bunny to remain firmly embedded in our hearts!

Find our young adult rounduphere.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Naturopolis by Deborah Frankel & Ingrid Bartkowiak

Naturopolis is a wonderful acknowledgement of the unseen, and the world that awaits the viewer, eager to connect with nature. You don’t have to go far to find what is waiting for us beneath our feet.

Our reviewer Angela says: ‘In beautiful poetic language, complemented by watercolour and gouache drawings, Naturopolis invites the reader to look carefully beyond the concrete and skyscrapers to see the life that abounds within the cracks.’

A delightful invitation to discover nature for ages 3 and up.

FIVE OTHER FANTASTIC TITLES THIS MONTH

Ella and the Useless Day by Meg McKinlay & Karen Blair

A heartwarming picture book about community, sustainability and how one neighbour’s rubbish is another’s treasure.

Ella’s house is full of things … useless things! At least that’s what she and Dad think. But when they decide to have a clean-up day, something very curious happens. Maybe what is useless to them is treasure to someone else?

A fun read with an important message for ages 3 and up.

The Book of Wondrous Possibilities by Deborah Abela

Arlo Goodman lives with his Uncle Avery in a run-down flat above their bookshop. He has no friends, except for his pet mouse, Herbert.

But when a girl called Lisette bursts into the shop and begs him to hide her from a murderer, Arlo’s life changes forever.

He’s swept up into an adventure involving kidnappers, car chases and a story where Arlo and his skymouse battle dragons. But can Arlo find the courage to battle an even greater enemy, who threatens to destroy everything he loves?

A fantastical story for readers aged 8 and up.

The Secret Life of Butterflies by Rene Ortega & Roger Vila

This glorious guide uncovers the often surprising secret life of butterflies. Learn how to recognize the different types of butterfly species, discover how they evolved and how they eat, sleep and travel the world.

Rena Ortega’s marvellous illustrations accompany text by Roger Vila, one of the world’s greatest butterfly experts, who explains why these beautiful insects are so important.

A gorgeous coffee-table book for nature lovers aged 7 and up.

The Thief who Sang Storms by Sophie Anderson

The Island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. The humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts - the bird-people - live on the other. But it wasn’t always this way…

Linnet wishes she could sing magic. But magic is forbidden and she has been banished with her father to the Mournful Swamp. When her father is captured for taking a precious jewel, Linnet must set out on a treacherous journey where she learns how to be brave, and discovers something even more powerful than singing magic that might save her father, and heal the broken heart of her island once more.

A magical story for readers aged 9 and up.

OUR CLASSIC OF THE MONTH

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

A threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes Real, a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.

Our reviewer Jenn says: ‘Margery Williams’ ode to the unquestioning and limitless love children have for their toys is still a favourite 100 years after it was first published, and for good reason. Williams knew that writing for children was one of the most difficult and rewarding things an author could do, and her words reflect that abundant respect.’

A classic bedtime read-aloud for ages 4 and up.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• Andy Griffiths will be taking you through the latest 13 storeys of his and Terry’s magnificent treehouse in a live event in Carlton on Tuesday 6th September. Find out more and book your tickets here.
• The program for the Melbourne Writers Festival has been announced and on September 10–11 there are a number of exciting events for families. Check out the Family Day program here.
• Our upcoming September Book of the Month, My Strange Shrinking Parents will be launched at Readings Kids on Thursday, September 1 and all are welcome. Find out more here.
• For a spotlight on recent children’s books in translation, including staff favourite It’s My Rubber Band, take a look here.