Recommended children's books and news for October
There are so many exciting new releases to excite and entertain young minds in the month of October. These books will be high on the wish list, not only for the festive season, but for a long time to come.
KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH
Come over to My House by Eliza Hull & Sally Rippin, illustrated by daniel Gray-Barnett
Come Over To My House is a delightful picture book that explores the home lives of children and parents who are Deaf or disabled. Co-written by disability advocate Eliza Hull and bestselling author Sally Rippin, the inclusive rhyming text authentically explores the characters’ various disabilities.
A cast of friendly characters invite friends over for a play - there’s fun to be had, food to eat and families to meet!
A beautiful story for ages 3 and up.
OUR FAVOURITE BOOKS THIS MONTH
Off to the Market by Alice Oehr
Sunday is market day. We are looking for pumpkin, apples, eggs, and bread. What else will we find? Where did it come from? And what will we make with it?
Learn all about produce in this delightful child’s tour of a food market, full of fun facts, delicious new discoveries, and charming characters. A loving ode to the people who bring food to our table and connection to our community, from acclaimed artist Alice Oehr.
A glorious celebration of food for ages 3 and up.
Dusty in the Outwilds by Rhiannon Williams
Dusty has grown up hearing whispers about her mysterious aunt Meg, who went off to live ‘out wild’ and never returned. Yet her only clue is a photograph of her aunt as a young girl with a strange, monkey-like creature on her shoulder.
But when Dusty learns that her family’s beloved bushland property might be sold, she’s convinced that only aunt Meg could stop it happening. So Dusty sets off to find her … and discovers what ‘out wild’ really means. Bursting with fantastical creatures and starring a bold young girl determined to uncover the truth, this thrilling fantasy-adventure is destined to be a modern classic.
An exciting adventure for ages 8 and up.
Runt by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton
Annie Shearer lives in the country town of Upson Downs with her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt. The two share a very special bond.
After years evading capture, Runt is remarkably fast and agile, perfect for herding runaway sheep. But when a greedy local landowner puts her family’s home at risk, Annie directs Runt’s extraordinary talents towards a different pursuit - winning the Agility Course at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London. However, there is a curious catch: Runt will only obey Annie’s commands if nobody else is watching.
A heartwarming story for ages 8 and up.
Wonders Under the Sun by Tai Snaith
Artist Tai Snaith has created some quirky categorisations of over 270 of her favourite diurnal animals from around the world.
Each animal is drawn to scale and uses people and body parts as comparison. The Arctic bumblebee is the width of any eye, the sulphur-crested cockatoo is the length of an arm, and the wild yak is taller than a basketball player! Including facts and information about the curious creatures found within, Wonders Under the Sun is a delightfully illustrated field guide for all the aspiring explorers, artists, environmentalist and taxonomists.
A gorgeous non-fiction book for ages 3 to adult.
CLASSIC OF THE MONTH
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Alone in a new country, wealthy Sara Crewe tries to make friends at boarding school and settle in. But when she learns that she’ll never see her beloved father again, her life is turned upside down. Transformed from princess to pauper, she must swap dancing lessons and luxury for drudgery and a room in the attic. Will she find that kindness and generosity are all the riches she truly needs?
Our reviewer says: 'there is still, I believe, a place for this sweet story on friendship, kindness and good triumphing over evil, even today, 117 years on.'
A classic story for ages 9 and up.
NEWS AND EVENTS
- The Readings Prize features a children's book winner chosen from a shortlist of six books by early career Australian authors. This year's winner is announced live at an event on October 26 and you can book to attend here.
- Poet Kevin Brophy and artist Jules Ober are celebrating their new children's book with an event at Readings Kids on October 20 at 6pm. You can find out more and book here.
- Storytime is on every weekend at our St Kilda and Kids stores. Find out more info for St Kilda here and Kids here.