Mystery and Adventure: August Highlights at Better Reading Kids

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

Wednesday Weeks #3: Wednesday Weeks and the Dungeon of Fire by Cristy Burne and Denis Knight

Gorgomoth the Unclean is back and he’s up to no good, of course. Can Wednesday and the gang beat Gorgomoth to the long-lost Stone of Power, or will the world be plunged into Never-Ending Darkness?

For ages 8+.

Buy a copy of Wednesday Weeks #3: Wednesday Weeks and the Dungeon of Fire here.

Embrace Kids by Taryn Brumfitt and Dr Zali Yager

The essential body image handbook for parents of children and teens by powerhouse change-maker and body positivity activist Taryn Brumfitt and Dr Zali Yager.

For parents and carers.

Buy a copy of Embrace Kids here.

Astonishingly Good Stories by R.A. Spratt

From R.A. Spratt, bestselling author of Friday Barnes and Shockingly Good Stories, comes this collection of twenty terrific tales perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, David Walliams and Paul Jennings.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of Astonishingly Good Stories here.

The Girls Who Changed the World #2: Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom by Jackie French

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 10+.

Buy a copy of The Girls Who Changed the World #2: Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom here.

The Travelling Bookshop #3: Mim and the Anxious Artist by Katrina Nannestad, Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini

Mim Cohen roams the world in a travelling bookshop, with her dad and brother and a horse called Flossy. Flossy leads them where she will, to the place where they’re needed most … the place where the perfect book will find its way home.

For ages 7+.

Buy a copy of The Travelling Bookshop #3: Mim and the Anxious Artist here.

Alice England Mysteries #1: The Deadly Daylight by Ash Harrier

Twelve-year-old Alice England is curious, truthful and smart, but when you work in your father’s funeral home and you get messages from the dead, it can be difficult to make friends. When she comes across the peculiar case of George Devenish, who was allergic to sunlight, Alice is convinced there’s more to his death than meets the eye.

Ages 9+.

Buy a copy of Alice England Mysteries #1: The Deadly Daylight here.

Loki #2: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the Blame by Louie Stowell

Odin has given Loki another chance to prove himself worthy of Asgard. But earning everyone’s trust is tricky, and when Thor’s hammer goes missing, everyone blames Loki! Outrageous!

Ages 8+.

Buy a copy of Loki #2: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the Blame here.

Birdbrain by Kelli Anne Hawkins

When seven strangers arrive at a small Australian caravan park to tell Hadley Boggs that her dad is the long-lost heir to the kingdom of Ludrovia, she can hardly believe it. The funny, whimsical and quirky new adventure from Australian rising star Kelli Anne Hawkins.

Ages 8+.

Buy a copy of Birdbrain here.

Dreaming by Starlight by Siobhan Curham

If you’re looking for a book with adventure at its heart that’ll also uplift you, then I highly recommend Dreaming by Starlight. Curham has created a relatable world filled with unique, lively and bright characters who complement each other beautifully.

Ages 12+

Buy a copy of Dreaming by Starlight here.

Miss Penny Dreadful and the Midnight Kittens by Allison Rushby, Illustrated by Bronte Rose Marando

An enquiring mind – and mystical mysteries to solve – adds up to adventure in the first book of the new junior fiction series from acclaimed author Allison Rushby.

For ages 7+.

Buy a copy of Miss Penny Dreadful and the Midnight Kittens here.

The Magic Kiss by Bon Balu

Join this calming, joyful journey of love that begins with a kiss. Bon Balu’s dreamy text and illustrations encourage sleepyheads to slow down and feel safe, creating a loving, soothing bedtime ritual for all.

Ages 1+.

Buy a copy of The Magic Kiss here.

Naturopolis by Deborah Frenkel, Illustrated by Ingrid Bartkowiak

Naturopolis is a wonderful acknowledgement of the unseen, and the world that awaits the viewer, eager to connect with nature. You don’t have to go far to find what is waiting for us beneath our feet.

Ages 4+.

Buy a copy of Naturopolis here.

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Join the award-winning, bestselling Sophie Blackall as she takes readers on an enchanting visit to a farmhouse across time, to witness the way that history spins stories.

Ages 4+.

Buy a copy of Farmhouse here.

Swoop by Nicole Godwin, Illustrated by Susannah Crispe

A charming, cheeky story about a magpie with one very important job! Why do magpies swoop and why do we have such a fascination with them? Discover more about these clever, cheeky and charming songbirds through this delightful book.

Ages 5+.

Buy a copy of Swoop here.