Every year our staff vote for their favourite books, albums, films and TV shows of the past 12 months. Here are our top 10 junior fiction books (for ages 5 - 9) of the year, voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

(You can find all our best picks for books, CDs & DVDs of 2016 here.)

Dog Man (Book 1) by Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey, the mind that brought us the wacky Captain Underpants, now gives us Dog Man. Dog Man is a new breed of crime fighter, foiling the plots of the dastardly genius Petey the cat at every turn. Every madcap, uproarious moment is set out in full-colour and packed full of slapstick comedy and action. Laugh-out-loud fun for age 7 and up.

– Daniella Robertson

Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters (Book 1) by Ailsa Wild and Ben Wood

Squishy and her new stepfamily live together in a noisy and exciting apartment. Can Squishy and her bonus sisters deal with a grumpy neighbour and the mysterious boy who has appeared in the car park, claiming to have stolen a tram? Imaginative Squishy will captivate young readers with her action-packed life.

– Julia Gorman

The New Friend (Book 1) by Kim Kane and Jon Davis

In her fancy, foxy outfits, Ginger Green is the play-date queen. With nervous excitement she delights in the opportunity to play hostess to her guests. But troubles arise regarding bad behaviour and having to share. Fortunately, Ginger Green is adept at turning tricky situations into happy outcomes. Delightful role modelling at its best.

– Natalie Platten

Captain Pug (Book 1) by Laura James and Eglantine Ceulemans

A picnic at the boating lake to celebrate lady Miranda’s birthday turns into a quite an adventure for her canine companion. Pug travels by boat, bus and picnic basket making new friends and finding plenty of snacks. Big text and bright, lively illustrations make Captain Pug a fun family read-aloud and a perfect book for readers who are new to chapter books.

– Kim Gruschow

Attack of the Zittens (Book 4) by Aaron Blabey

The Big Bad Wolf is sick of everyone thinking he’s a bad guy. So he’s hooked up with his (reluctant) pals – Piranha, Snake and Shark – and together they’re going to save the world from the kitten zombie apocalypse. It’s not easy going from Bad Guy to Good Guy, but these guys are going to give it their best shot. Excellent fun!

– Gabrielle Williams

Rabbit’s Bad Habits (Book 1) by Julian Gough and Jim Field

The first in a new series, Rabbit’s Bad Habits is a funny, charming tale about an unlikely friendship. The dynamic between gentle Bear and grumpy Rabbit is deftly wrought, while the book’s balance of text to image is ideal for beginner readers. Curious kids will also love the surprising facts woven into the narrative.

– Bronte Coates

The Bolds to the Rescue (Book 2) by Julian Clary and David Roberts

The Bolds are back. Word has spread through the animal kingdom that our favourite family of audacious hyenas have been successfully posing as humans and suddenly their house has become packed with a diverse and rowdy group of couch surfers. The Bolds start home-schooling their guests on how to live like people do, as things become increasingly hectic and hilarious.

– Kim Gruschow

King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor (Book 1) by Andy Riley

Edwin is nine and King of Edwinland. Every Friday he carts a barrowful of pocket money to the lolly shop in the village and trades it for oh-so-much chocolate. He then catapults it all over Edwinland for all to enjoy. Such fun! At least until evil Emperor Nurbison spoils all!

– Natalie Platten

Life According to Dani by Rose Lagercrantz and Eva Eriksson

Following on directly from My Happy Life, Dani is on holiday with her wonderful best friend Ella while her dad recovers from his accident in hospital. In this book Dani has a new challenge to deal with – her dad gets a girlfriend. But that doesn’t matter because life, according to Dani, is still pretty happy.

– Dani Solomon

Tiny Tapir Trouble (Book 3) by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy

Malaysian tapir Bambang is as panicky and sensitive as ever in Tiny Tapir Trouble, but his friendship with the encouraging Mango always sees him triumph. Together the two friends save the day at the beach; solve a mysterious flu; endure a visit from cute upstart Guntur; and uncover secrets at a junior chess tournament. Tiny Tapir Trouble is sweet, funny and unique.

– Leanne Hall