Recommended Children's Books and News for November
We have some fascinating new books to finish out the year. Some gorgeous new picture books, including our Book of the Month about an irrepresible frog and a new Alison Lester, fascinating historical fiction by Katrina Nannestad, fantasy from Katharine Orton, and a junior fiction title by adult book author, Maggie O'Farrell. Read on to learn more about some of the biggest books of the year for children.
For the young adult books round-up, please visit here.
KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH
Snap by Anna Walker
Frog thinks there’s no one else in the forest, but you never know what’s just around the corner …
Celebrated creator Anna Walker, invites us to hear with our eyes as we follow frog on a rollicking escapade in this pitch-perfect pre-school soundscape.
Our reviewer, Kate, says: 'With gorgeous illustrations, a very expressive amphibian, and plenty of animals to spot and count along the way, this book is sure to become a firm favourite at home.'
Suitable as a read-aloud from birth to 3.
FIVE FABULOUS BOOKS THIS MONTH
A Tiny Light by Alison Lester
The perfect bedtime story from Australia’s most loved-picture book creator.
When you go to bed tonight,
be sure to leave a tiny light
so Twinkles in the Milky Way
can find you when they come to play …
This gentle story offers both wonder and comfort, and feels like a reassuring hug at bedtime.
Suitable as a read-aloud for ages 2 and up.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
What lives under the bridge? A terrifying troll who is always hungry! And this troll loves to gobble up anyone who dares to cross the bridge, but his favourite of all is billy goat: goat rump in a honey glaze, curried goat and goat smeared on toast – you name it, this troll loves it!
So, when the three Billy Goats Gruff decide to clip clop clip clop across the bridge, the troll is already imagining all the scrumptious ways to fill his belly. But what if the troll is about to underestimate those seemingly sweet goats … And bite off more than he can chew!
A read-aloud for ages 3 and up.
Gotcha by Clotilde Perrin
In this monstrously funny and original lift-the-flaps adventure, a child finds hiding places in three famous fairytale houses before turning on their hide-and-seek pursuers.
Each house is full of hiding places for the reader to explore, with flaps big and small and curious places to discover on the search for the child’s hiding place. And when the hero of our story finally stands up to the monsters, they may be the ones to flee, because this child has read the tales before and knows how to vanquish a villain!
Our reviewer, Kim, says: 'Gotcha! is a magical book of the highest quality. It reminded me of beloved classics like Jan Pienkowski’s classic pop-up book, Haunted House, and the work of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It’s clever and creative and will be loved by family members of all ages.'
Suitable for ages 4 and up.
The Boy Who Lost his Spark by Maggie O'Farrell, illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini
When Jem and his family move to the countryside, he doesn’t like his new home one bit. It’s an old cottage on the side of a hill, where strange things keep happening: shoes are filled up with conkers, the stairs become tangled in a woollen maze.
Jem’s sister Verity is certain it is the work of a nouka, an ancient creature from local folklore. Jem, however, is adamant that there is no such thing. But this small mythical creature does exist. And, what’s more, it is determined, through mischief and mayhem, to help Jem reignite the spark within himself once more.
Our reviewer, Athina, says: 'Maggie O’Farrell’s story bears an ethereal quality that evokes wonder and myth, and it is captured beautifully by a soft muted palette of hauntingly realistic illustrations.'
Suitable for readers aged 7 and up, or as a read-aloud for younger audiences.
Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad
It’s the Second World War and Himmler’s Lebensborn Program is in full flight when eight-year-old Zofia Ulinski is kidnapped by the Germans. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, just like the other Polish children taken from their families and robbed of their names, their language, their heritage.
But when Zofia is adopted into a wealthy and loving German family, it is easier, it is safer to bury her past, deep down, so everything is forgotten. Until the Polish boy arrives. And the past comes back to haunt her.
Our reviewer, Celeste, says: 'Profound, emotional and gripping, Nannestad’s writing is also sensitive enough to depict the darkest parts of history in a way that is appropriate for children without holding back.'
Suitable for readers of historical fiction aged 11 and up.
OUR CLASSIC OF THE MONTH
I Am David by Anne Holm
David escapes from the concentration camp where he has spent his entire life and flees across Europe. He is utterly alone - who can he trust? What will await him? And all the while, how can he be sure that they won’t catch up with him …
This is the remarkable story of David’s introduction to the world: sea, mountains and flowers, the colours of Italy, the taste of fruit, people laughing and smiling, all are new to David. David learns that his polite manner, his haunted eyes and his thin features are strange to other people. He must learn to fend for himself in this strange new world.
Our reviewer Angela says, 'I Am David has lost none of its potency in the nearly 60 years since it was first published. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit that will deeply move and inspire readers aged 10 and up.'
NEWS AND EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
- The Readings Prizes were recently announced in an exciting live ceremony. The Children's winner was The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold, which is a brilliant adventure story for readers aged 8-12 or a fantastic read-aloud.
- Storytime is still happening at Readings Kids every Sunday (10.30am) up until November 20 and at Readings St Kilda every Saturday (2pm) up until December 3. No need to book - just come along!
- You can learn more about the origins of Craig Silvey's new book for middle grade readers, Runt, in this recent article from The Age newspaper.
