It’s wintertime and what is better than snuggling under the covers with a good book and reading, either together or alone. Here are some fantastic new books released just in time for the winter school holidays. Get a warm blanket and find a cosy spot for a good read.

Find our June YA round-up here.

OUR CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

Open Your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour

Told in English and Dharug, this is a moving account of reconnection to Country from a First Nations perspective. Sharing the nourishing power of returning home and being immersed, this picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations’ peoples but for everyone.

Our reviewer, Clare, says ‘I was drawn to each character, deep in concentration in their connection to Country while they swim, dance and perceive the world around them.’

Suitable for ages 3 and up.

FIVE BOOKS TO CURE THE WINTER BLUES

Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior Bk 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Wylah is brave, clever and strong-willed, and all her best friends are giant megafauna animals. But she isn’t a warrior. Not yet, anyway. Then comes the day when her family is stolen by the dragon army, and her life is forever changed. She must find the courage to set out on a journey to save them. What will it take for Wylah to become a warrior, like her Grandmother before her?

Our reviewer, Dani, calls it ‘a deliciously exciting fantasy novel balanced out with very real snapshots of life in Australia 40,000 years ago.’

Suitable for ages 8 and up.

The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm by Karen Foxlee

Mary-Kate is accompanying her archaeologist mother to the village of Woolington to investigate some interesting bones found in an old well. But once they arrive, they discover that mysterious noises, earth tremors and a terrifying legend have the locals frightened. Could there be any truth in the myth of the beast who lives in the ancient well?

Our reviewer, Athina, says ‘this delightful book is so much fun, and Freda Chiu’s charming black-and-white drawings generously sprinkled throughout are captivating.’

Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang

Meet Zadie Ma, a girl who writes magical stories that sometimes come true. Can Zadie bring to life her most important story of all … the one where she finds Jupiter, the dog of her dreams?

From one of Australia’s most esteemed and award-winning children’s authors comes a heartwarming story set in postwar Melbourne about courage, friendship, the magic of stories and one girl’s unwavering love for her dog.

Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Rigatoni the Pasta Cat by Michael Rosen & Tony Ross

Rigatoni is a pasta cat. He loves pasta, any kind of pasta: spaghetti, penne, fusilli, with pesto, in soup, in lasagne, any whichever way his owners, Ruth and Tina, will serve it.

Then one day Ruth and Tina go away and leave George in charge. And the pasta is replaced with yucky cat food. Can Rigatoni find someone who understands what he really wants to eat?

This funny chapter book by legendary author and illustrator team, Michael Rosen and Tony Ross, is sure to appeal to animal lovers of all ages.

Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Get Me Out of Here: Foolish and Fearless Convict Escapes by Pauline Deeves & Brent Wilson

Full of crims, crooks and runaways, this fun and light-hearted non-fiction title is a colourful celebration of our convict past. Meet the convicts behind Australia’s most dastardly prison escapes. Gifted geniuses or total goofballs? You be the judge!

Featuring Moondyne Joe, Mary Bryant, and a guy who put on a kangaroo skin and hopped away (literally), this fun and engaging highly illustrated collection brings our early colonial past to life.

Suitable for ages 7 and up.

CLASSIC OF THE MONTH

Is there Anyone Better than Henrietta? by Martine Murray

Our reviewer, Athina, says: ‘It’s been 18 years since I was first utterly beguiled by the unforgettable Henrietta Hoppenbeek; she gleefully danced across the pages of Henrietta: There’s No One Better, and I’ve followed her through three more gloriously illustrated adventures since then. Henrietta is a little girl with an enormous personality and a vast imagination; she’s a fireball of passion, one of a kind! Hers is a joyous world of creativity, invention and childhood wonder; she delights in the mischievous play of delicious words, real and made-up, and explores a multitude of splendid imaginary worlds with her most favourite people and creatures (all the while trying not to get too annoyed with her baby brother Albert).’

Suitable for ages 5 and up.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• Storytime is back at Readings St Kilda every Saturday at 2pm with storyteller, Emma Clarke, beginning June 18. Storytime is also on at Readings Kids every Sunday at 10.30am. No need to book - just turn up!
• We profile some beautiful recent non-fiction books about birds for kids here.
• We look at some stunning First Nations picture books released recently here.