We have some extraordinary picture books to pore over this month, including our Book of the Month by rising star, Zeno Sworder, which looks at the immigrant experience through a different lens - shrinking parents! We also have a picture book from Alice Pung about a little boy whose parents want to keep him wrapped in cotton wool, when all he wants is to run free, plus a stunning new picture book by Caldecott-winner, Sophie Blackall.

In fiction, we are blessed with a new middle grade novel from Emily Gale, possibly one of the first set during the pandemic, and the second novel by Maryam Master is a beautiful story about the refugee experience. The new novel by Jane Godwin is about an overnight hike for a school group that goes horribly wrong. It’s sure to be a hit with upper primary and lower secondary readers.

For the young adult round-up, visit here.

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

In this heartbreaking and heart-warming story, CBCA award-winner Zeno Sworder reflects on his own migrant parents’ sacrifices to create a universal story about what it means to give to those you love. Sworder’s drawings are full of beautiful detail and fairytale settings that explore his own journey from child to parent.

Our reviewer, Angela, says, ‘In this extraordinary picture book by rising star Zeno Sworder, the parents are shrinking exponentially, as they trade their own height as payment for their child’s needs over the years. Children will find it magical the way the parents get smaller as the boy grows up.’

An incredible testament to parental love for ages 4 and up.

FIVE BEAUTIFUL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Be Careful, Xiao Xin! by Alice Pung & Sher Rill Ng (illustrator)

Xiao Xin believes he is a red fire warrior but his family are always telling him to be careful. They believe the world is too dangerous for a little boy on his own.

Renowned storytellers Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng bring to life a beautiful and tender story about learning to conquer your own fears. It includes text in both Mandarin and English.

A story about love and independence for ages 3 and up.

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Step inside the dollhouse-like interior of the farmhouse and relish the daily life of the family that lives there, rendered in impeccable, thrilling detail.

Based on a real family and an actual farmhouse where award-winning Australian author and illustrator, Sophie Blackall, salvaged facts and artefacts for the making of this spectacular work, page after page bursts with luminous detail and joy.

An illuminating step back in time for ages 3 and up.

No Words by Maryam Master

Hero doesn’t feel like a hero, but sometimes she feels as if the universe is asking her to be one. When Aria, a mysterious boy who never speaks, starts at school and is picked on by a bully, Hero and her bestie Jaz befriend Aria and try to uncover the truth about him. What happened to his voice? Where did he come from? What are those three dents on his middle finger?

This is the story of a 12-year-old refugee who’s trying to establish a new life in Australia and grapple with his past.

A powerful story of finding your voice for ages 7 and up.

The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale

It’s the start of 2020 and Harper is filled with anticipation about being in the final year of Riverlark Primary. She wants a leadership role, the comfort of her friendship group, and to fly under the radar of Riverlark’s mean-boy. But one by one things go wrong.

The Goodbye Year explores all the trickiness and confusion of the end of primary school and a new stage of life that looms with all its uncertainties and possibilities.

A beautiful story of one life-changing year for readers aged 10 and up.

A Walk in the Dark by Jane Godwin

When five teenagers head in to the forest one late afternoon, none of them is aware what the night will bring. Each will have to draw on their particular strengths to survive. Each will have to face the unknown, battling the elements, events beyond their control, and their own demons. It’s a night that will change everything.

Set in the lush rainforest of Victoria’s Otway Ranges, A Walk in the Dark is about friendship, trust, identity and family, consent and boundaries, wrapped in a compulsively readable, suspense-filled adventure.

An action-packed story for readers aged 11 and up.

CLASSIC OF THE MONTH

Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley

The stories of Milly-Molly-Mandy and her friends have charmed generations of children. Milly-Molly-Mandy lives in a tiny village in the heart of the countryside, where life is full of everyday adventures. Whether she is minding the village shop or going blackberry picking, you’re sure to have fun when Milly-Molly-Mandy is around!

Our reviewer, Kate, says: ‘These timeless, comforting stories encourage kindness, responsibility and respect and can be joyfully shared with children aged 3 and up or independently read by ages 7 and up.’

NEWS AND EVENTS

• The Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards were announced for 2022 a few weeks ago to celebrate the start of book week. See all the winners and honour books here.
• To help build your manga collection, this month in-store we have a 3-for-2 offer on the first three volumes in a range of bestselling manga series. You can see some highlighted children’s and young adult titles here.
• For longer sessions of bedtime reading, we have compiled a collection of classic favourites and new stories here.
• Beloved author Craig Silvey is releasing his new children’s novel in October at a celebratory event at the Nova Theatre in Carlton. He will be in conversation with author Christos Tsiolkas. More info and bookings here.