Free-spirited and wild: July highlights for young readers

July was jam-packed with books that inspired our imaginations to soar, free-spirited and wild, just like the swan that carried Tashi into our lives or the beautiful alicorn that Sophie cares for in the elvish world.

It was a month when we really needed magic and fantasy to brighten our days, as we bunkered down in defense against the vicissitudes of the “Corona-coaster”.  Finding stories where our heroes overcome adversity and ambiguity to live with hope and friendship seemed like the perfect antidote to the uncertain times that fill our lives.

Here’s our top picks from the books that bought us freedom, fantasy, friendship and fun in July:

Finding Francois by Gus Gordon

Loneliness afflicts children, although we don’t often acknowledge it. This book explores grief, loss, loneliness and the power of an enduring friendship which brightens two young lives. Alice lives in the heart of Paris and although she is loved and cherished, she feels very alone. A long-distance friendship with Francois proves to be the perfect antidote to a dark period in her life.

Gus Gordon writes from the heart and backs it up with the most delicate and detailed images, perfectly capturing the small details that fill our lives. It’s a delightfully illustrated and ultimately uplifting story that will be a great conversation starter on many levels. Plus, a glorious Parisienne setting…..and crème brulee!

A collection of Tashi books by Anna Fienberg, Barbara Fienberg, Arienne Gamble,  Greer Gamble and Kim Gamble

Jack’s new friend is a boy named Tashi who has the most amazing stories:  along the way we meet terrifying villains and magnificent monsters, get involved in secrets and spells, and solve many mysteries.

Tashi entered into our lives 25 years ago and his adventures have entertained and inspired children,  helping them become independent readers engaged with magic and mystery. The wonderful illustrations bring the characters to life and help little imaginations grasp the story and characters.

 Tashi, the original first story book, has just been released in a beautiful collectible 25^th anniversary edition. There are also three new books for pre-schoolers to help them learn the alphabet, colours and numbers.

Hodgepodge: How To Make a Pet Monster 1 by Lili Wilkinson and Dustin Spence

Artie discovers an old book of magic spells which he and his stepsister Willow use to create their very own monster, Hodge Podge. Together the three become entangled in some serious scrapes, but fortunately this cute little monster has a super-power!

This fantastically funny story is the first in a new series that is destined to be popular and collectable. An easy conversational tone and brilliant illustrations keep the reader engaged and make it accessible for independent readers 7+. Includes a completely lovable monster.

The Secret Library of Hummingbird House by Julianne Negri

Hattie is on a mission to save Hummingbird House from demolition. A time-slip takes her back in time where a young girl shows her a secret library and a mysterious key to a lost fortune. How does all this come together, and will it be enough to save Hattie’s family?

Young people CAN make a difference to the world around them, protecting their local environment and influencing adults’ decisions. This magical novel for readers 8+ explores standing up, speaking out and letting go of the past.

When Rain Turns to Snow by Jane Godwin

Teenage Lissa is confronted by Reed, a young stranger carrying a baby and a desire to find more about his identity. Lissa’s brother Harry is embroiled in a social media scandal that threatens his well-being. Secrets build and multiply, creating an overwhelming mess that will be life-changing for all involved.

Acclaimed Australian author Jane Godwin’s latest YA novel is an Australian coming-of-age story that will grab your attention and keep you turning pages to get to the resolution of the life-changing secrets of the three teenage characters.

The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon

Twig wakes up in the Afterlife with a skeleton raven, a key, a bag of bones and a mysterious atlas as a guide… and no proper memory of his past. While engaged in a quest for survival in the Afterlife snatches of memory from his former life return to Twig. Can he unlock all the Crossings to achieve his goal? Will he fade and lose all his memories before completing his quest? Will he find those he loves?

Author Zana Fraillon takes on big themes of homelessness and betrayal, coupled with a quest in the Afterlife and some very sophisticated storylines that keep the reader intellectually engaged and challenging their own understanding of the world (and the Afterlife!).

 Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Sophie is telepathic but has wisely kept it a secret. When a stranger shows her the elvish world and reveals her place in it she must make agonising choices in order to master her powers and fulfil her destiny. But who is manipulating that destiny and why? Over the course of this series Sophie and her friends discover more about Sophie’s past, their own talents and powers and the dark forces that threaten their existence.

There’s a delicious feeling in immersing yourself in another world, imagining new characters, cheering them on as they triumph in their adventures, or solving the mysteries they uncover. Shannon Messenger has created an escapists dream – a rich and magical world with relatable scenarios and believable motivations for the characters she describes so well. Books 1 – 6 are out now in bookstores, with books 7, 8 and 8.5 due later this year. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Nevermoor.