Old Classics and New Favourites: June Highlights at Better Reading Kids

From magic and adventure to impactful and inspirational reads, we have a strong June TBR pile. Our highlights are below but we’d love to hear about what you’ve been reading this June.

The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure by Jacqueline Wilson, Illustrated by Mark Beech

Discover the Magic Faraway Tree and explore the amazing lands it can lead to, in an irresistible new story by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, set in this much-loved world.

Ages 6+

Buy a copy of The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure here.

Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang

From one of Australia’s most esteemed and award-winning children’s authors and Australian Children’s Laureate for 2022–23 comes a heartwarming story set in postwar Melbourne about courage, friendship, the magic of stories and one girl’s unwavering love for her dog.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon here.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – 25th Anniversary Edition by J.K. Rowling

Galloping gargoyles! 2022 is the silver anniversary of J.K. Rowling’s magical classic Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone! This glorious, once-in-a-generation collector’s edition of J.K. Rowling’s classic first story will take you on the magical journey of a lifetime …

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – 25th Anniversary Edition here.

The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride by Hayli Thomson

When Taylor is accepted as a finalist for a diverse writers’ internship at Saturday Night Live, it turns her life upside down. And if Taylor wants a shot at winning, she’ll have to come out about both of her secrets: she wants to be a comedian … and she’s a lesbian.

Ages 14+

Buy a copy of The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride here.

Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson

Ruby and Mia are total opposites: Ruby is a little awkward, not a “joiner,” and loves to write poetry. While Mia is type A, popular(ish), and wants to be class prez. They used to be friends. But now they have nothing in common anymore… Or do they. From bestselling author Terri Libenson, this is a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Remarkably Ruby here.

The Vexatious Haunting of Lily Griffin by Paula Hayes, illustrated by Katy Jiang

Lily is a singular character, hilariously funny, sweetly poignant and deeply daggy. Plagued by social doubts and her own pecularities, she is the perfect person to investigate the many secrets of her grandfather’s house and, along the way, mend some family relationships, discover enduring friendships and learn to play netball.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of The Vexatious Haunting of Lily Griffin here.

Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters #1: The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm by Karen Foxlee, illustrated by Freda Chui

Miss Mary-Kate Martin might be anxious, but she’s not scared of monsters. Travelling the globe with her famous archaeologist mother, Mary-Kate helps solve legendary problems in this fun fantasy adventure suitable for fans of the Travelling Bookshop or the Magnolia Moon series.

Ages 6+

Buy a copy of Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters #1: The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm here.

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer

Nothing here is as it seems, and after a devastating betrayal, it becomes clear that the danger is only just beginning. Rediscover the worlds of Emberfall and Syhl Shallow in this irresistible return to Brigid Kemmerer’s New York Times bestselling Cursebreaker series.

For young adult readers.

Buy a copy of Forging Silver into Stars here.

Heartstopper: Volume One (TV Tie-in) by Alice Oseman

By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie’s lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

Ages 13+.

Buy a copy of Heartstopper: Volume One (TV Tie-in) here.

Great and Small by Alison McLennan and Connah Brecon

For a tiny unicorn, Eunice has big dreams. She really wants to compete in the Great Unicorn Games, but even with all the effort and practice she can muster, she’s just no competition for all these able-bodied athletes. That’s when the most wonderful idea turns into a truly great reality. A celebration of universal design and our unique abilities, Great and Small celebrates what unifies us – our glorious diversity.

Ages 4+

Pre-order a copy of Great and Small here.

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

Andy and his best friend Eli live in a small coastal town in far north Queensland. When Eli’s cousin Jacob is arrested for a jewellery theft, Andy and Eli both know he is innocent. The police have evidence. But something is not right, and Andy and Eli need to work out what, and fast or Jacob will end up in jail.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat here.

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

New York Times-bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton makes her middle-grade debut with a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Soman Chainani and Melissa de la Cruz.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The Marvellers here.