The best kids' books, news & events for November
This month we’ve got books that celebrate brave and ambitious kids, quirky stories full of mystery and magic, and a celebration of unusual Australian animals.
Find our November picks for YA books here.
KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty & David Roberts
Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school… until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so.
Sofia misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea – the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall, only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.
Our reviewer Alexa spoke highly of how this picture book highlights the ways that ‘passion, inspiration and belief will always have positive outcomes if given the opportunity. The author and illustrator have provided an ideal of inclusiveness, tossed out the old notions of stereotypes and shown kids how awesome they can be’. For ages 3 and up.
You can read our full review here.
RECOMMENDED KIDS BOOKS THIS MONTH
A Trip to the Beach by Gwyn Perkins
This is the last adventure in the award-winning and very charming picture-book series that follows the sweet family excursions of Iggy and Grandad. Today’s the day. Iggy’s going to catch a wave without any help! Or at least that’s what Grandad thinks. Iggy isn’t quite so sure. But after sandcastle building, fish and chips, rock pools, kayaking, snorkelling and surfing, Iggy has completely forgotten his initial fear and finds his confidence.
Our reviewer Claire praised Perkins’ ‘superb illustrations as we experience the unique beauty of an Australian summer’s day at the beach’. For ages 3 and up.
You can read our full review here.
The Secrets of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt & Katherine Quinn
Irrepressible nine-year-old Magnolia Moon likes to ask questions, loves Greek mythology, has a unique outlook on life and can be relied on to keep a secret. Then she finds out her mother is having a baby and that her best friend, Imogen May, is moving away; life is changing at 84 Crocus Cottage. Each chapter in this novel reveals a secret that Magnolia is keeping, and captures important moments and changes in Magnolia’s year of being nine.
Our reviewer Alexa loved this quirky story, saying that it ‘reads beautifully and has sweet, intermittent illustrations that make it the perfect present for kids aged 7+’.
You can read our full review here.
The Impossible Boy by Ben Brooks
When Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian Cole to fool their substitute teacher, they are amazed when he appears – completely real! – inside a cardboard spaceship in their secret place at school. Sebastian is unlike anyone they’ve ever met, and his arrival sparks all sorts of mysterious things to happen: runaway goats, walking snowwomen, a bottomless backpack containing hot ice-cream… But events take a more dangerous turn when the three friends are pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality, who want to capture and erase Sebastian, restoring order to the world.
Our reviewer Dani found The Impossible Boy to be both thoughtful and ‘a very fun, imaginative and silly book’. For ages 7 and up.
You can read our full review here.
Nevertell by Katharine Orton
Born in a Soviet prison camp under Stalin’s reign of terror, Lina has never seen the world outside until the night she escapes with her best friend, Bogdan. As the pair journey across a snowy wilderness, they are pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her pack of shadow wolves. Lina and Bogdan travel in a world more confusing and dangerous than the one they’ve left, and Lina must find the courage to believe in her own extraordinary powers.
Our reviewer Athina was hugely impressed by the unique blend of historical fiction, Russian folklore and fantasy in Nevertell, saying that ‘it surprised and delighted (her) with its unexpected turns and evocative storytelling and challenged (her) beliefs about crime, punishment and retribution’. For ages 10 and up.
You can read our full review here.
Fauna: Australia’s Most Curious Creatures by Tania McCartney
In this gorgeously illustrated book by Tania McCartney (Ivy Bird, Australia: Illustrated), young readers are introduced to facts that delight, amaze and induce sheer wonder at the clever design and adaptability of Australia’s much-loved native fauna. The information is presented in segments that the younger reader can delve into, as well as more comprehensive commentary to keep the more advanced entertained. Habitat, physical characteristics, feeding, breeding and conservation status are all covered.
Our reviewer Claire highly recommends Fauna: Australia’s Most Curious Creatures: ‘This book will capture the eye with its gorgeous illustrations, share some brilliant facts about Australia’s animals, and also teach us awareness so perhaps we can safeguard these curious creatures.’ For ages 8 and up.
You can read our full review here.
READ A KIDS CLASSIC
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
In advance of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film adaptation, we took a fresh look at an old favourite this month! Little Women was first published serially in 1868, and details the trials and tribulations of the four very different March sisters and their beloved Marmee.
Our reviewer Bronte reflected on the enduring power of Alcott’s classic book and its still-relevant ‘exploration of family life, creative aspirations, marriage, social consciousness, feminism and womanhood, and other such universal themes’.
You can read our full review here.
NEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
It’s the spooky season! This year, we’re holding some seriously spooktacular events at our Readings shops to celebrate. Drop by Readings St Kilda or Readings Malvern to enjoy a Halloween themed story time, or join Readings Kids for a jampacked afternoon of ghoulish festivities – including a scavenger hunt! If you prefer to hold your own Halloween-themed story session, at home or in an abandoned house, say, here are our favourite spooky stories to read at Halloween to get you started.
Readings staff member and #1 Frances Hardinge fan, Dani Solomon, ranked Hardinge’s books by level of scariness – letting keen young fantasy readers decide which book to read.
We also celebrated the recent International Day of the Girl Child by making a list of books that celebrate girls who dream, achieve, break boundaries, overcome barriers, innovate and initiate.
And over at Readings Doncaster, our Middle Fiction Book Club continues to go from strength to strength, putting on performances, playing murder mystery games and trying code-breaking! Read about some of their latest projects here.
KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
Renowned Australian illustrator Beci Orpin is holding an art session at 11am on Saturday 9 November at Readings Kids. Orpin’s new book, Take Heart, Take Action is a reminder for everyone to make a positive impact on the world. This event is suitable for all ages, but in particular for ages 5-10. It’s free, but please book here.
Join Ailsa Wild at 2pm on Saturday 9 November at Readings Kids as she celebrates her new book The Naughtiest Pixie and the Bad Pixie-Trick with a special story time launch. With environmental overtones and a generous sprinkle of magic, it is a delightful romp through a hidden world for readers aged 6 and up. This event is free, but please book here.
At 11am on Saturday 16 November, Readings Kids are hosting cartoonists Gregory Mackay and Bernard Caleo for a lively reading of Mackay’s The Adventures of Anders. The duo will also share useful steps on creating your very own comic. This event is suitable for ages 5-10. It’s free, but please book here.
We’re excited to host the launch of Funny Bones at 10.30am on Sunday 17 November at Readings Hawthorn! This is a hilarious short-story anthology for kids with contributions from Hannah Gadsby, Andy Griffths, Danny Katz, and more. All royalties go to international charity War Child Australia. This event is free and there’s no need to book.
Finally, the Book Doctor will be consulting in early December… Feeling sick because you don’t know what to read next? Feeling ill to your very insides because you don’t know what your ten-year-old, seventeen-year-old, or two-and-a-half-year-old wants to read? Never fear, the doctor is in the house, book prescription pad at the ready. Join us at 1pm on Saturday 7 December, atReadings Doncaster to get all your questions answered. This event is free and there’s no need to book.
