A Month of Fantastic Books: March Highlights at Better Reading Kids

School holidays are close by, and many kids might be craving the exciting escape of a good book. Luckily, Better Reading Kids has just the thing for them to add to their TBR pile!

Here are the top titles that we read in March:

The Isabelle Stories: Izzy and Belle by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Robin Cowcher

From master storyteller Jane Godwin, a heartwarming new junior fiction series about an observant, thoughtful six-year-old girl named Isabelle, and about all the big and little things that matter when you’re growing up and finding your place in the wide new world.

Ages 5+

Buy a copy here.

The Hats of Marvello by Amanda Graham, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

Perfect for fans of Emily Rodda, The Hats of Marvello is a delightful, magical adventure story that will keep readers spellbound. A delightfully fantastical story for middle-grade readers that sparkles with magic and mystery.

Ages 8+.

Buy a copy here.

Ratbags #1: Naughty for Good by Tim Harris and Shiloh Gordon

Brace yourself for a rip-roaring ride into the world of the Ratbags. From award-winning bestselling author and funnyman, Tim Harris, comes this stupendously rat-tastic new series.

Ages 6+.

Buy a copy here.

Crookhaven: The School for Thieves by J.J. Arcanjo

With a school-wide competition to be crowned Top Crook and many mysteries to uncover, Gabriel’s first year at Crookhaven will be one to remember. This is an irresistible new series about chosen family, high-stakes thievery, and what it really means to do good. Perfect for fans of M.G. Leonard and Anthony Horowitz.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy here.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables #1: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas

Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle-grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy here.

The Alice England Mysteries #2: The Eerie Excavation by Ash Harrier

When camp ends and everyone is sent home without answers, Alice will need her signature logic, the support of her friends, and her special talent to solve the mystery of Pendle Woods and bring an end to a family feud that’s been going on for centuries.

Ages 7+.

Buy a copy here.

The Hotel Witch by Jessica Miller

When Grandma gets stuck in last Tuesday, somewhere on the hotel’s thirteenth floor, Sibyl is left to take charge of all the hotel magic – and to solve a mysterious and perplexing problem. Can she find a way to open the Book of Advanced and Dangerous Magic? And will it contain the spell she needs? The Hotel Witch is a magical tale of courage, love and the power of imagining possibilities.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy here.

Tiny Tradies by Tami Sussman, illustrated by Tom Jellett

Join the adorable Tiny Tradies as they clock on for their shift, work hard all day, and then wind down for bedtime. This book celebrates the busy and messy lives of preschoolers, making it the perfect yarn for Australian families. It’s a beauty!

Ages 3+.

Buy a copy here.

You Two, You Two by Brooke Hill, illustrated by Elin Matilda Andersson

A gorgeous award-winning celebration of two little people growing up together. A timeless book to treasure, and a wish to the universe for friendship and adventures shared between siblings.

Ages 2+

Buy a copy here.

The Travelling Bookshop series by Katrina Nannestad, illustrated by Cheryl Orsini

This series celebrates family, friendship, and belonging and will never fail to bring joy into young readers’ lives. Each book takes young readers on an individual mystery that will ignite their imagination and teach heartfelt lessons along the way.

Ages 7+.

Check out all four books in the series here.

Itty Bitty Kitty by Maddy Mara, illustrated by Noémie Geonet Landry

Join Itty Bitty on three new epic adventures. She may still be a kitten, but Itty Bitty is ready to take on the world. And she knows all the Cat Laws. But her family doesn’t seem to know anything. They think she should make friends with puppies! And go on trips! What’s a cat to do?

Ages 5+.

Buy a copy here.

The Sadie series by  Lana Spasevski, illustrated by Joanie Stone

The Sadie series shows that any problem can be solved with generosity, kindness and, of course, a sprinkle of something delicious. Each book has three stories in one, teaches a new lesson through baking shenanigans and sensationally sweet characters that readers will love. There are three books released, with more to come.

Check out all three books in the series here.