Spread Magic, Not Germs: September Highlights at Better Reading Kids

As September draws to a close we can feel the days lengthen. The extra daylight lifts our spirits.  Family members vie with dogs and cats for the sunny spaces behind the glass where it is possible to curl up and quietly read while warming numb toes.

We kickstarted the month with Indigenous Literacy Day. With the theme for the 2021 event, celebrating stories and language, the event has again morphed to include stories from other First Nations organisations, communities, children, authors and individuals. You can read all about it here.

With normal living circumstances everchanging, there’s never been a better time to relish in the world of reading – an activity that gives you somewhere to go when you have to stay put.

Here are the top titles on our reading list in September:

Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby

What happens when a very cranky chicken meets a very cheerful worm? Perfect for newly independent readers, this is the first extremely funny story in a charming illustrated series about an unlikely friendship that will warm your heart and make you laugh.

Ages 6+

The Follow Your Feelings series by Kitty Black, illustrated by Jess Rose

Follow Your Feelings is a touching, funny, and charming new series about getting to know and love our emotions, from emotional acceptance champion Kitty Black and illustrator Jess Rose. The first two books in the series are Max and Worry and Lucy and Sad.

All ages – you’re never too young or old to balance your feelings.

Kicking Goals: The Flip Out by Sam Kerr and Fiona Harris, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka

The Flip Out is based on Sam Kerr’s life story, following her move away from playing Aussie Rules simply because there wasn’t a girls’ team for her to join. With encouragement from her family, who told her not to give up, Sam soon discovers soccer… and so the story begins.

Ages 7+

No Way! by Dan Marshall

Get ready to go on a journey of discovery that will make you say No Way! This beautifully designed children’s book is full to the brim with facts, challenges and questions that will teach you all the wildest and weirdest things about the world around you.

All ages

The My Emotions series by Trace Moroney

Trace Moroneycreates books about big feelings for little people. Her ground-breaking My Emotions series equips children (and their grown-ups) with valuable skills to navigate their way through life’s ups and downs. The Grief Wave and Little Big Bully are out now.

Ages 4+

Grimwood by Nadia Shireen

Perfect for fans of Mr Gum and The Animals of Farthing Wood, this hilarious, irreverent series from picture book superstar Nadia Shireen follows two urban foxes who escape to the wonderfully weird forest of Grimwood!

Ages 7+

Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment

Treasure in the Lake is Pamment’s debut graphic novel and it may be my favourite of the year! It’s a middle-grade fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet or Raina Telgemeier’s Ghost. It’s gripping and compelling, and tells an important coming-of-age story about friendship and growth.

Ages 8+

The School for Talking Pets by Kelli Anne Hawkins, illustrated by Beth Harvey

Doctor Dolittle meets Willy Wonka in this funny and thrilling debut adventure from exciting new voice Kelli Anne Hawkins.  It’s a unique story that has familiar elements of the underdog winning a competition, mixed in with the unlikely hero growing into his shell and saving the day.

Ages 8+

The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sophie Laguna, illustrated by Marc McBride

An unforgettable story from award-winning children’s book author Sofie Laguna, with enchanting illustrations by Marc McBride. A beautiful, illustrated adventure story with a classic feel, about a quiet boy and a talking crow on an extraordinary hot-air balloon ride to the Arctic.

Ages 8+

Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny by Cristy Burne and Denis Knight

Book #2 in the brilliant Wednesday Weeks series, which asks the question: In a world of magic, can science save the day? If you loved Nevermoor and Artemis Fowl, then this series will be right up your alley!

Ages 8+

Bailey Finch Takes a Stand by Ingrid Laguna

Bailey Finch Takes a Stand is a moving story about love and loss, about caring for the environment and standing up to make change happen. It’s important that middle-grade readers realise that they are capable of making a real difference in their own lives, their surroundings, and their future.

Ages 8+

Down the Road, Little Bee by Sarah Jane Lightfoot

This glorious picture book debut from Sarah Jane Lightfoot celebrates the familiar yet overlooked sights of our local streets and inspires readers to explore the beauty in their own neighbourhoods. From flowering gums in January to jacaranda in December, follow Little Bee and friends as they explore the wonders of nature that can be found just outside the door.

Ages 3+

Dragon City by Katie and Kevin Tsang

In an alternate reality, 5,000 years in the future, the evil Dragon of Death has become ruler of Dragon City. Dragon City is the third adventure in the ROARsome Dragon Realm series! Perfect for fans of magical fantasy, heartfelt friendships and time travel!

Ages 9+

The School Between Winter and Fairyland by Heather Fawcett

A spell-binding tale of magic, monsters and mystery, set in an enchanted boarding school. Full of suspense and exquisitely written, this is middle-grade fantasy at its best – and most original – for fans of Nevermoor.

Ages 9+

Fireborn: Twelve and the Frozen Forest

Set in the snowy northern forests of an imagined prehistoric world, Fireborn is the middle-grade debut of the decade. At turns exciting, funny and heart-wrenchingly sad, it marks the introduction of an unstoppable new voice in children’s storytelling.

Ages 9+

Our Family Pledge by Emmaline Carroll Southwell, illustrated by Vivian Mineker

This is the perfect book for any family who wants to teach their children compassion for themselves, others and the planet. Featuring messages of kindness woven into memorable verses, Our Family Pledge is a universal set of promises designed to be practised and passed down through generations.

Ages 4+