5 Fantastic Kids Books to Read at the End of January

From building essential literacy skills to exploring haunted beaches and jungles, this collection of books is perfect for curious young readers. Whether your child is just learning to read, loves colouring with their favourite TV characters or wants to dive into thrilling stories full of suspense and imagination, this list has something for every young mind ready to explore, learn and have fun.

7 Steps to Get Your Child Reading by Louise Park

Generation Alpha is the swiper, pincher, tapper cohort, the first to grow up with devices in their hands. They are breaking new ground as a result of technological advances, while you, their parents, are having to navigate these uncharted waters. Literacy is the single most important thing we can teach kids. If they can read, all other learning will follow. Learn how to futureproof your child’s literacy in a rapidly changing world, and give them the best chance of success. Louise Park has spent decades watching children working away at this reading thing. As a teacher, children’s author and leading educational consultant, she knows better than anyone how the goalposts have shifted over time. The road to literacy has never been smooth, but now there is the added challenge of digital distractions. Louise will show you how to make the most of both digital and traditional forms of reading, as well as setting out commonsense plans for making a reader of your child. Based on scientific research and presented in a friendly, accessible style for time-poor parents, the seven simple steps will lead your Generation Alpha child to an irreplaceable love of reading. ‘Simple, practical and inspiring – what a treasure!

Buy a copy of 7 Steps to Get Your Child Reading here.

The Ghost of Howlers Beach by Jackie French

Butter O’Bryan has been told there are ghosts on Howlers Beach, but are there? Howlers Beach, 1932 Butter O’Bryan lives in a Very Small Castle with his father and three aunts – Aunt Elephant, Aunt Cake and Aunt Peculiar. These aren’t their real names, of course, just as Butter’s father isn’t really called ‘Pongo’. And even though Butter is only twelve years old, and the grandson of one of Australia’s most successful Jam Kings, he is very aware of the hardship many people are experiencing. Butter has been told there are ghosts at the nearby isolated Howlers Beach, but are there? And how can the children Butter plays cricket with on the beach simply vanish? Who are these children and why do they refuse his help? Butter is certain they’re hiding a secret and he’s determined to uncover it.

Buy a copy of The Ghost of Howlers Beach here.

Bluey: Big Backyard Colouring Book

Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show! Colour Bluey’s backyard, the creek, the playground and more in this fun-filled colouring book. Bluey has been a phenomenal success since airing on ABC KIDS in October 2018, amassing legions of dedicated fans and taking the coveted position of being the most watched program ever on ABC iView, with over 200 million plays. It has also topped the Australian iTunes Kids Chart with the series peaking at #1 and consistently remaining in the Top 5.

Buy a copy of Bluey Big Backyard Colouring Book here.

Cloudburst by Wilbur Smith

Jack Courtney has lived in London his whole life. But this summer his parents are travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference, and they’ve promised to take Jack and his friends with them. When his parents go missing in the rainforest, abducted by mercenaries, nobody seems to have any answers. Jack is pretty sure that it’s got something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it. Along with Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents. Standing in his way is a member of his own family – Caleb Courtney. There are western gorillas, forest elephants and hippos. But there are also bandits, mercenaries and hostile tribes. The three friends will need their wits about them if they are not only to save Jack’s parents, but their own lives too.

Buy a copy of Cloudburst here.

Pumpkins and Aliens by Andrew Levins, illustrated by Katie Kear

Nelson is a brand-new series from DJ, food writer, TEDx speaker, charity founder and all-round funny guy, Andrew Levins. Meet Nelson . . . he’s an ordinary kid, just like you. Everyone thinks he’s shy but, really, he’s just bored. Nelson hates vegetables. He hates the smell of them, he hates the look of them. Most of all, he hates eating them. But what if they gave him superpowers? Superpowers he needs when an alien race he made up in class yesterday swoops into town and holds his school hostage, threatening to eat his teacher . . .