Kids' Picks

New and recommended books for children

Picture books

The Mystery of the Golden Pyramid  Adela Norean

Sophie has just moved into a new house when she is surprised to find a dog in her bedroom. Not just any dog, a talking dog! The day gets more and more interesting as Sophie learns, from the dog, that she is the descendent of an Egyptian King. She is the only one that can find King Nebu’s missing amulets and return them to his burial place. With the help of the dog, Ari, Sophie makes her way to Egypt and carries out the mission to find the missing amulets. This is a great interactive story full of flaps to lift and secret panels and inserts to explore. The story is entertaining and the illustrations fascinating.

Wonky Donkey’s Big Surprise Craig Smith

Here’s another heart-warming story from the Wonky Donkey stable. Wonky‘s child Dinky is excited because her father has promised her a big surprise. She tries hard to guess what it could be and is very pleased when her guess is right. Full of rhymes and wonderful illustrations, this is a read that will delight little people as well as adults. The story is available in board book as well as standard picture book format and there is also a song available to download or stream.

Fiction 6 - 9 years

The Seal’s Fate Eoin Colfer

This story is set in a village in Ireland where many people rely on fishing to make a living. Bobby is spending time with his father on his fishing boat, earning some money over the summer holidays. There is a big problem with seals eating the fish and wrecking the nets, and dealing with them is meant to be one of Bobby’s main tasks. However, Bobby can’t face the job he is meant to do. This is a great story and was written by Ireland’s Children’s Laureate (2014 – 2016).

Kitty and the Treetop Chase Paula Harrison

Kitty is a little bit worried when her mother tells her she has invited another child to have a sleepover with her. She has never met them, so she is worried that they won’t have anything in common. It turns out Ozzy is great company and the two have a lot to talk about. Kitty can talk to animals and has feline superpowers and Ozzy has a few tricks too. This is part of an excellent series.

Fiction 10+ years

October, October Katya Balen

This is a great story that will have readers hooked by the end of page one. October and her father live in the middle of the woods. They go to town for supplies just once a year and she loves that they can then disappear from society and be alone with the critters of the woods. Her mother left when October was very young. Life is great for October until one day disaster strikes when her father has an accident and ends up in hospital. Highly recommended.

The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle Jackie French

Butter O’Bryan lives in a very small castle with his father and his interesting aunties. Things become tricky when a monster appears at the castle door, asking to use the beach for a movie set. When a famous actor goes missing, Butter swoops into supersleuth action. When more people disappear, the police can’t work it out and really need Butter's help. This is written by a very popular author and is another great read.