Hilarious, Spooky and Charming: October Highlights at Better Reading Kids

From enchanting adventures to heartfelt and inspirational reads, we have a fantastic October TBR pile. Our highlights are below but we’d love to hear about what you’ve been reading this October.

The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat by Kate Temple

This is the dangerous story of Trilby Moffat, who took on one of the most treacherous jobs of all time. Well… outside of time, to be precise. For fans of Nevermoor and Lemony Snicket.

For ages 7+.

Buy a copy of The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat here.

Smarty Pup #1: Friends Fur-ever by Anh Do

Lily’s new pup JJ is kind of clumsy, but something about his smiley face makes her really happy inside. So you can imagine Lily’s surprise when she wakes up to discover that JJ can TALK and is SUPER SMART.

For ages 6+.

Buy a copy of Smarty Pup #1: Friends Fur-ever here.

A Girl Called Corpse by Reece Carter

A sparkling adventure story about friendship, family and finding out that there is nothing more powerful than a kid acting with their whole heart. A Girl Called Corpse is one of the most exciting children’s fantasy debuts to hit the shelves since Nevermoor.

Ages 8+.

Buy a copy of A Girl Called Corpse here.

The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade

From one of Australia’s favourite writers comes an inspiring series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. An empowering and exhilarating look at the girls who went before us, and the way they shaped the world.

For ages 9+.

Buy a copy of The Book That No One Wanted to Read here.

Digging Up Dad by Morris Gleitzman

Brilliantly funny short stories for middle school readers from the ever-popular Morris Gleitzman, in the hilarious style of Give Peas a Chance, Pizza Cake and Snot Chocolate!

For ages 9+.

Buy a copy of Digging Up Dad here.

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Told with acclaimed author Adam Silvera’s signature bittersweet touch, this story celebrates the lasting impact that people have on each other and proves that life is always worth living to the fullest.

For YA readers.

Buy a copy of The First to Die at the End here.

Welcome to Our Country: Back On Country by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, Illustrated by David Hardy

A joyful story about the power of reconnecting to family, culture and Country. From Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, co-writer Ellie Laing, and Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.

Ages 4+.

Buy a copy of Welcome to Our Country: Back On Country here.

Solve Your Own Mystery: The Monster Maker by Gareth P. Jones, Illustrated by Louise Forshaw

A fantastically imaginative detective story for readers looking for an interactive adventure. One puzzling mystery. Several slippery suspects. Endless possibilities!

Ages 8+.

Buy a copy of Solve Your Own Mystery: The Monster Maker here.

Runt by Craig Silvey, Illustrated by Sara Acton

Runt is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others.

Ages 7+.

Buy a copy of Runt here.

Clash by Kayla Miller

There’s a new kid in town! From the moment Natasha sets foot in class, it’s clear she’s one of the coolest kids in sixth grade. Everyone wants to be her friend, including Olive… but things might not be so easy.

For ages 8+.

Buy a copy of Clash here.

Nice Garry Series by Nathan Lyon and Michael Wagner, Illustrated by David Williams

Inspired by the talent and passion Australian Test cricketing great Nathan Lyon has for the game, this is the story of an ordinary kid with an extraordinary gift.

Ages 7+.

Buy a copy of Nice Garry #1: Bowled Over here.

Buy a copy of Nice Garry #2: In a Spin here.

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin, Illustrated by Astred Hicks

A young girl with a tragic past and a rhinoceros facing life in captivity form an unlikely and magical bond after a fateful storm and a shipwreck bring them together. A moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy of Evie and Rhino here.

Mazy the Movie Star by Isla Fisher, Illustrated by Paula Bowes

While other dogs chase sticks at the park, Mazy chases her acting dreams. But then one morning Mazy’s agent delivers bad news. They are only giving acting jobs to pedigrees now. Can Mazy embrace what it is that makes her special and find her perfect role?

Ages 3+.

Buy a copy of Mazy the Movie Star here.

11 Words for Love by Maxine Beneba Clarke and Randa Abdel-Fattah

A moving and joyful book for children from all backgrounds about the many ways we love, from award-winning author Randa Abdel-Fattah and acclaimed illustrator Maxine Beneba Clarke.

Ages 1+.

Buy a copy of 11 Words for Love here.

The Raven’s Song by Bren MacDibble and Zana Fraillon

A wonderful children’s novel by two stellar writers featuring Shelby and Phoenix, living 100 years apart yet unexpectedly joined across time – and each make the discovery of a lifetime that has the potential to upend their worlds.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy of The Raven’s Song here.

The Dragon Realm Series by Katie and Kevin Tsang

The Dragon Realm series is perfect for fans of nail-biting mysteries and cinematic battles. With themes of friendship, hope and adventure, the Dragon Realm series has plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy of Dragon Realm #5: Dragon Destiny here.

Dinosaur Club #5: The Compsognathus Chase

Packed with information, dinosaur fact files, glossaries, quizzes and reviewed by leading paleontologist Dougal Dixon, these books are both educational and fun.

Ages 7+.

Buy a copy of Dinosaur Club #5: The Compsognathus Chase here.