Discovery, Nostalgia and Non-Fiction: April Highlights at Better Reading Kids

Discovery, Nostalgia and Non-Fiction: April Highlights at Better Reading Kids

April was a big month for us here at Better Reading Kids! We’ve had a whole lot of different kinds of books from every facet. We experienced nostalgia, relatability, a celebration of our world and insects, and titles that covered heavy topics in digestible ways. While each title has its own unique context and storyline, it seems that discovery was the theme across the board. This is a theme all kids can relate to and resonate with, discovering more about themselves and the world around them.

Here are the top titles on our reading list in April.

The Big Book of Festivals by Joan-Maree Hargreaves and Marita Bullock

Celebrate festivals from all around the world. Kids and adults alike will adore this stunning illustrated collection of fantastic festivities, crazy celebrations and holy holidays, from graveside picnics to epic dance-offs, tomato-throwing frenzies, crying-baby competitions and the biggest bathing ritual on the planet.

Readers aged 7+

Mr. Men: Mr. Tickle (50th Anniversary edition) by Roger Hargreaves

Enjoy the story that first introduced Mr. Men to the world in this special 50th-anniversary edition! Mr. Tickle is small and round and has arms that stretch and stretch. Extraordinarily long arms, perfect for tickling! Now, 50 years later you can enjoy this special upsized edition of the classic story with a bonus new story about how it all began. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up.

Readers aged 2+

Princess Benjamina Has a Very Cheeky Bum by Claire Hooper and Jackie Nguyen

When you are trying to find your inner voice, sometimes you need to look behind you! This delightful tale, bursting with humour, proves that behind every cheeky princess… is her own rear end. Princess Benjamina’s talking bum gets her into all sorts of mischief. But now Benji has a plan to get to the bottom of the matter – a clever plan that will shoosh her tush for good, or at least for the night of the Royal Ball…

Readers aged 3+

The Smidgens by David O’Connell and Seb Burnett

Gafferty Sprout is a Smidgen. A Smidgen looks like a human, sounds like a human, and loves chips with curry sauce like a human – if humans were three inches tall. Generations ago there were lots of them, living in a maze of tunnels beneath the human village of Dundoodle. But then something happened and they just … disappeared.  Soon, Gafferty discovers she’s not the only one looking for the lost tribes, and that three inches of Smidgen hold more secrets than she ever imagined… The first book in a funny, magical adventures series for readers who love Terry Pratchett, Max and the Millions and The Borrowers.

Readers aged 7+

A Class Full of Lizards: The Grade Six Survival Guide 2 by Alison Hart

In this hilarious sequel to School Rules are Optional, Jesse is back with even more hysterical antics as he navigates the worst family health kick ever and the chaotic end of Grade Six. It’s her first day back at school after the holidays and she’s already got three burning questions: 1) When is my family’s disgusting diet going to end? 2) How will I finish my group project on time? 3) Why is my best friend Alex suddenly not talking to me? If that’s not bad enough, the classroom is overrun with lizards. At least things can’t get worse, right?

Readers aged 10+

Heroes of the Secret Underground by Susanne Gervay 

When a rose-gold locket, once thought lost, is uncovered by Louie, it sends her and her brothers spinning back in time. Back to a world at war: Budapest in the winter of 1944, where their grandparents are hiding secrets of their own… Riveting, encouraging, and authentic, Heroes of the Secret Underground introduces the Holocaust in a fresh way. Children learn about this pivotal moment in history through themes of culture, identity, resilience and confidence – themes readers of any age can relate to.

Readers aged 9+

The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton

First published in 1939, The Faraway Tree is a series of popular children’s books by British author Enid Blyton. Moonface’s Story and Silky’s Story are two new wonderful stories set in the enchanted world of the Magic Faraway Tree. Complete as full-colour picture books, these two brand-new stories offer captivating storytelling and fabulously vivid illustrations that will have readers immersed in all the magic and feeling like they were in the Enchanted Wood with series’ classic characters.

Readers aged 3+

True Colour of a Little White Lie by Gabriel Bergmoser

Nelson is stuck in a rut at his small-town high school, but he seizes the chance to reinvent himself during the ski season in the alpine village community. With two romantic interests on alternating weekends and a stack of advice from well-meaning older friends he finds himself engaged in a moral dilemma… and the annual ski race! Bestselling author Gabriel Bergmoser has crafted a beautifully poignant story that captures the awkwardness of teenage relationships, the truth of bullying, and the rollercoaster ride that starts with a small lie and escalates into social disaster.

Readers aged 12+

Paws by Kate Foster

Everything is changing for eleven-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. At home, his best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, though what he wants most is a friend at school ­– but it’s not that easy. Paws demonstrates how autistic brains don’t always come with the templates of human interaction and emotion that neurotypical people usually have. Alex’s characterisation is endearing and allows readers to vividly see the world through his eyes.

Readers aged 9+

Masters of Disguise by Marc Martin

Now you see them, now you don’t! Masters of Disguise is a timely and beautiful non-fiction book for nature lovers, showcasing twelve of the most elusive animals on earth that use camouflage to disguise themselves. Perfect for budding conservationists, this book is cloaked in a riot of colour, pattern and texture, showing readers the secrets of animal camouflage. From chameleons to mimic octopuses, these creatures have mastered the art of fading into the background.

Readers aged 6+

Bee Detectives by Vanessa Ryan-Rendall and Brenna Quinlan

Join Olivia and Hamish as they learn about the bees in our backyards. When they see a smoky haze, they discover it’s not a fire – it’s a nest of Australian stingless bees that needs their help. Time to give the Bee Detectives a buzz! A fun story that introduces readers aged to different types of Australian native bees. There are fascinating facts about how they live, guides to help attract them to your backyard, and detailed illustrations to help kids identify any native bees they spot.

Readers aged 5+

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