Kid's Picks

A selection of new and recommended books for children

Picture books

The Hug Blanket. Chris Gurney
This is the story of a young girl who shares a very special relationship with her Nana. Together they play make-believe, collect shells at the beach and bake bread and generally have a great time. When Nana dies the family are left with special hug blankets that she has made each family member, reminders of wonderful memories that were made when she was alive.

Image by: Rachel Kean


Starbird
. Sharon King-Chai
When the Moon King’s first child was born there was only one present good enough for this special princess – the legendary and rare Starbird, a bird whose song wove magical dreams. After many months of trying, the Moon King finally captured the bird and for a while it lived in a cage and its beautiful songs helped the princess to sleep and to have wonderful dreams. One day however, the princess noticed the bird seemed very sad and she decided to set it free. The Moon King wasn’t pleased. The illustrations in this book sparkle and shine beautifully.

Image by: Rachel Kean


Books for ages 7-9

Mallory, Mallory. James Norcliffe
Mean Mallory has hatched a devious plan. She intends to capture the tooth fairy and hold them to ransom!   Poor Arthur, Mallory’s only friend, unwillingly becomes involved, though he doesn’t really agree it’s a good idea. Together they become embroiled in an experience that neither them dreamed possible and it isn’t at all pleasant. No one should mess with the tooth fairy. This is a really entertaining story that provides many laugh out loud moments.

Image by: Rachel Kean


Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom
. Louis Sachar
This is the continuation of a series that began many years ago and was written by the author of the popular book “Holes”. Set in the chaotic Wayside School, this is a story full of wackiness and humour. The school is thirty storeys high and is regulated by a crazy and complicated bell system that sure keeps the students on their toes. Readers will be well entertained by the antics of both students and staff as they make their way through another school year.

Image by: Rachel Kean


Books for those aged 10+

The Tunnel of Dreams. Bernard Beckett
When identical twins Stefan and Arlo see a mysterious light shining near the spooky house on their street their curiosity is so strong that they leave their warm beds and sneak out to go and investigate. Little do they know that this will lead them into the most exciting (and scarey) adventure they’ve ever had. In an attempt to help a new acquaintance in desperate need the two end up in a land very different from the one they know . It is dangerous and fascinating at the same time. This gripping story will have you intrigued from the first page.

Image by: Rachel Kean


Merci Suarez Changes Gears.
Meg Medina
Merci has a lot to contend with. At school she lives in fear of being chastised by the school queen, Edna Santos.   At home money is so short that she and her family do odd jobs at the school to pay for her text books. She is also very worried about her aging grandfather who seems to be struggling with even the most simple things in life. Once started this story will  have you feeling like part of the family as Merci relates her daily life with all its ups and downs. One also gets a taste of what life is like in sunny Florida.

Image by: Rachel Kean