Embarrassment of Riches: November Highlights

Embarrassment of Riches: November Highlights

This November there are so many new books that your young reader is going to love! Make sure you take a look through this collection of treasures before you head off to the bookshop or library so you know what to look for – it can be overwhelming! There’s something for all ages and all interests and we’ve loved them all. We can’t wait to hear what you think.

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer

Why we love it: Eoin Colfer writes wonderfully engaging stories, captivating readers from the very first page and inserting humour, heart and wit into his stories. The start of this brand new series will enchant older readers.

What it’s about: The Fowl Twins is a rollicking fun tale of Fairy People, friends, a pair of twins and the occasional getting shot at, kidnapping, threatening, and maybe just possibly being temporarily killed. All in a day’s work of being in a family of criminal masterminds.

10+ years

You Can Change The World by Lucy Bell

Why we love it: Beautifully illustrated You Can Change the World is nothing short of stunning – the perfect gift for young people that you can genuinely feel good about handing over.

What it’s about: Australian author, Lucy Bell has done all the hard work for us with a guide that provides practical information on how to make a positive difference to the world one step at a time. This is the go-to book for anyone who wants guidance on how to tackle everyday life in the most environmentally responsible, kind and aware way.

10+ years

The Painted Ponies by Alison Lester

Why we love it: As with all Alison Lester books the illustrations are stunning and contribute greatly to the richness of the story. From the bold images of Grandma Lucky as a young girl with a lasso standing on the back of her horse to the sprightly, rounded dogs and Noni the Pony style horses, each page is a visual treat.

What it’s about: Grandma Lucky tells the story of her childhood performing in far flung places with a troupe of clever animal friends to her granddaughter Matilda. One summer she spots six wild ponies and Lucky wants to catch them but can wild creatures be happy if they’re not free?

4+ years

Funny Bones edited by Kate and Jol Temple and Oliver Phommavanh

Why we love it: There are so many great things about this epic book, not least that it’s the perfect way for kids to sample new authors. It’s also hilarious and is bound to keep young readers captivated.

What it’s about: Filled with over 100 stories, jokes, cartoons and bits of silliness and written by a very long list of well-known children’s authors, cartoonists and illustrators Funny Bones is a must for the long summer holiday break! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – all proceeds go to charity War Child that provides aid to children affected by war.

8-12 years

Take Heart, Take Action by Beci Orpin

Why we love it: Take Heart, Take Action is a gorgeously illustrated picture book with bold, honest images which will get your little reader thinking about how they fit in the world and how they can make it better.

What it’s about: Designer Beci Orpin has created a book to inspire children (and adults) into making a positive impact on the world. Each page in this vibrant book has its own unique message or “conversation starter” on a wide range of issues, from how to directly care for the environment, to behaving in a socially conscious way.

4+ years

Brave Adventures, Little Girl by Iresha Herath, illustrated by Oscar Fa

Why we love it: This touching story is a joy to read, and is filled with stunning illustrations. It’s the perfect book for grandparents and parents alike to read to young children – it will be the start of many wonderful conversations about family and being brave!

What it’s about: Brave Adventures, Little Girl by Iresha Herath, takes little readers on a journey around the globe while reflecting on the importance of grandparents and finding courage to embrace all that life has to offer.

4+ years

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Why we love it: Shusterman has created a rich and multilayered world that will make readers question politics, religion, life, death and what the role of AI will be in our future.

What it’s about: The Toll is the eagerly awaited third and final instalment in the Arc of a Scythe series. It’s been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared, Scythe Goddard took power and the Thunderhead stopped talking to everyone except The Toll. Will corruption continue to reign or does the Thunderhead have a plan?

14+ years

The Unlisted #3: Sabotage by Justine Flynn & Chris Kunz

Why we love it: This is a fast paced, thrilling series that your young reader will devour. The characters are relatable and issues of loyalty, family and changing friendships will have young readers going along for the ride but also storing away some important messages.

What it’s about: Twins Dru and Kal are working with a group of vigilante teens to fight the Global Child Initiative. Attempts to capture and implant The Unlisted have been stepped up and Super Recognisers are now roaming the streets. How will ‘The Unlisted’ know who to avoid when they all look like everyone else?

9+ years

Squidge Dibley Destroys the Galaxy by Mick Elliott

Why we love it: Filled with lots of great illustrations that are funny and particularly gross you can only imagine that Elliott had a great time writing this story. There’s destruction, bad smells, snakes, toilets and a hint of genius from the quirky character of Squidge Dibley.

What it’s about: The whole school goes space crazy when Cosmonaut Cath arrives and tells them about a competition; if they design and make a prototype of an invention to help with space research, they could win a trip to space camp! What will they come up with? Will they make it to space camp or will it all end in disaster? As expected Squidge Dibley has something up his sleeve…

7+ years

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #14: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney

Why we love it: We challenge you to find a child that doesn’t love this series, the hilarious illustrations make it accessible and the stories are highly entertaining and completely relatable. They will rip through this new instalment in an afternoon.

What it’s about: The Heffley family have been fortunate enough to come into a significant inheritance and Mum decides they should use the extra cash to undertake a well overdue renovation to their house. However In true Hefley family style, nothing goes as planned.

9+ years

My Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

Why we love it: This wonderfully irreverent book gives kids a chance to get creative by playing with the traditional picture book format, stretching their imaginations and letting them take control – at least temporarily!

What it’s about: Create your own version of the bestselling The Book With No Pictures by filling in the blanks with crazy words and sounds then find an adult willing to read it to you and lots of  laughter is guaranteed. What could be more appealing to a child than that?

3+ years

Bluey: The Beach & BlueyThe Fruit Bat by Bluey 

Why we love it: We all know what a phenomenon Bluey is and now there are books to go with the series! The illustrations are eye catching and the activities will keep little hands busy. We know adults secretly love Bluey too so you may well find yourself enjoying these board books.

 What it’s about: Bluey: The Beach Bluey heads to the beach with her family in this lift-the-flap book. Amongst the sand, shells and surf she learns about independence and bravery.

Bluey: Fruit Bat In this glow-in-the-dark book Bluey doesn’t want to go to bed she wants to be like the nocturnal fruit bat. Maybe she can dream about being a fruit bat. Along the way she learns about her dad’s dreams.

3+ years

A Banana is a Banana by Justine Clarke and Josh Pyke, illustrated by Heath McKenzie

Why we love it: First there was the unbelievably popular song by Justine Clarke and Josh Pyke and now there is the book that you can follow along with. Filled with stunning illustrations by Heath McKenzie – it’s love at first sight!

 What it’s about: A Banana is a Banana uses a play on words to encourage children to start considering the science behind the objects around them. Perfect for young readers who can listen to the song and following along with the words.

3+ years

 

 

 

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