Exciting and encouraging: 5 of 2020’s best kids’ books

You’re searching for the perfect gift but there are just TOO MANY kids books to choose from! Where do you even start? Well we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of five of the best books of 2020 that are sure to put smiles on faces this Christmas.

Tippy and Jellybean by Sophie Cunningham and Anil Tortop 

Last summer’s bushfires were devastating to a huge range of Australian wildlife including our beloved koalas. Tippy and Jellybean is the story of two koalas who survived. Tippy and Jellybean are real life koalas – Tippy managed to save her baby Jellybean from the fires and make it to some dedicated vets. They both made a full recovery and have now returned to the wild. This uplifting picture book celebrates one of Australia’s most-loved creatures, but also gently teaches young children about the danger that bushfires pose to our wildlife. For every copy sold, the publisher is donating $1 to the Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund and so far they’ve raised over $10,000! The illustrations are gorgeous and pair perfectly with this heart-warming story. For ages 3+.

Monty’s Island by Emily Rodda

What more can be said about Emily Rodda? She’s written over 100 books including Deltora Quest and Rowan of Rin, and her new series Monty’s Island is perfectly delightful and adventurous. Monty lives on a perfect island in the middle of a magical sea. Sometimes the sea throws up something interesting … and Monty goes on an amazing adventure! We thought that both book 1 and book 2 are not only great for younger readers, but also fantastic to read aloud. For ages 6+.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and Jon Klassen 

Teleporting chickens, conniving stoats, a Rocket Potato… what’s not to love? Winnie-the-Pooh meets Wallace & Gromit in a fresh take on a classic odd-couple friendship featuring an energetic skunk who travels with a troupe of quantum chickens and an irascible, ukulele-playing rock-scientist Badger. Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake has written a hilarious and sweet story. And Jon Klassen’s full-colour and black-and-white illustrations are just gorgeous! For ages 7+.

Poopy Pants and Potty Rants by Dale Thomas and Alison Mutton

Everyone has to learn some time! Poopy Pants and Potty Rants is a hilarious look at the ups and downs of toilet training. It’s also a lovely celebration of being a very involved dad. Penned by Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas who, after an amazing career with Collingwood and Carlton, retired from AFL football at the end of 2019. He also appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Now he can most often be found enthusiastically singing along to Frozen with his daughter. Poopy Pants and Potty Rants is full of the same cheeky energy which Dale was known for throughout his playing career. It’s full of helpful hints and comes with a reward chart and stickers! For ages 2+.