Kids’ Picks  

A selection of recommended reads for children.

Picture Books

We are brothers, we are friends. Alexandra Penfold, Illustrated by Eda Kaban

This book takes you on a journey exploring all the exciting things you can do once you have a little brother. Full of colourful, cartoon-like pictures, paired with simple language, it is appealing to both older and younger siblings. This book contains no signs of sibling rivalry, and encourages children to look at their sibling as a best friend with whom they can go on adventures!

Goodnight Digger. Michelle Robinson, Illustrated by Nick East

A little boy takes us through his night time routine of saying goodnight to all of his toys – especially his beloved digger! Told in simple rhyme, this book is very relaxing to read and to be read to. Combined with imaginative illustrations, Goodnight Digger is an ideal bedtime story, especially for those interested in diggers, trains and trucks.

I will love you anyway. Mick and Chloë Inkpen

A humorous story about a mischievous dog that is constantly running away and destroying things and an owner that loves him anyway. This story is filled with cute illustrations of a bug-eyed pug which, combined with rhyming text, makes it a good read especially for those who are pet owners themselves.

Fiction 7-9

Mutant Rat Attack (The Spy Next Door #1). Jay Cooper

Dexter Drabner leads an ordinary and rather dull life, until his science teacher feeds the school lab-rat some radioactive gamma broccoli, changing her into a hippo-sized, very bad-tempered rodent. If you enjoy the Captain Underpants series you will also enjoy this very funny, action-packed, and well-illustrated story. The first book in a new series, that is bound to appeal to reluctant readers.

Princess Cora and the Crocodile. Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca

A princess story with a difference, perfect for children beginning to read independently.

Princess Cora’s parents love her but their desire to teach her how grow into the perfect Queen means she has a very busy, dull schedule with no free time to play. In desperation, she makes a wish to her fairy godmother. The wish is answered in the form of a very cheeky crocodile. Delightfully illustrated this quirky story is fun to read and sure to be enjoyed.

Fiction 10+

Kensuke’s Kingdom. Michael Morpurgo

First published in 1999, Kensuke’s Kingdom is a true adventure/survival story, and a real page turner. When Michael’s father loses his job, his parents decide to sail around the world with Michael and the family dog. The voyage is exciting, but disaster strikes when Michael is washed overboard during the night while his parents are sleeping, and the story then takes an interesting turn!

A Smidgen of Sky. Dianna Dorisi Winget

Ten-year-old Piper Lee DeLuna is a tomboy, who loves aeroplanes and getting her own way! Her father disappeared in a plane crash several years ago. Believing he is still alive, Piper is struggling to come to terms with her mother’s decision to remarry. She decides to intervene, with disastrous results. This is a captivating story with some surprising twists and turns.