Something for Everyone: October Highlights at Better Reading Kids

As October draws to a close we can feel the days lengthen. The extra daylight lifts our spirits.  Family members vie with dogs and cats for the sunny spaces behind the glass where it is possible to curl up and quietly read while warming numb toes.

Now, more than ever, there’s never been a better time to relish in the world of reading – an activity that gives you somewhere to go when you have to stay put.

Here are the top titles on our reading list in October:

Wandi by Favel Parrett

A dingo cub is snatched from his family and home by a giant eagle, then dropped, injured and alone, in a suburban backyard. This is the beautifully woven story of Wandi, the most famous dingo in the world. Told with wonder and heart by one of Australia’s most beloved storytellers. A classic in the tradition of Storm Boy and The Call of the Wild.

Ages 7+

Buy a copy of Wandi here.

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee

From the bestselling and multi-award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything comes a magical tale about a girl who saves a dragon and rescues her family. When Pip finds a half-dead creature at the waterhole, everything changes. She knows she has to save this small dragon and return it to where it comes from. But how?

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Dragon Skin here.

If Not Us by Mark Smith

If Not Us is Mark Smith’s first standalone YA novel following his hugely successful Winter trilogy. It’s another great story with an engaging and relatable protagonist, as well as an impassioned plea for climate-change action that will inspire and empower readers of all ages.

Ages 14+

Buy a copy of If Not Us here.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 16: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney

In Big Shot, book 16 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley and sports just don’t mix. After a disastrous field day competition at school, Greg decides that when it comes to his athletic career, he’s officially retired. But after his mom urges him to give sports one more chance, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for basketball.

Ages 7+

Buy a copy of Big Shot here.

The First Scientists by Corey Tutt

The First Scientists is the highly anticipated, illustrated science book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience. With kids aged 7 to 12 years in mind, this book will nourish readers’ love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.

Ages 7+

Buy a copy of The First Scientists here.

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad

From the award-winning author of We Are Wolves comes the story of a young boy who becomes a soldier at six, fighting in the only way he can — with love. But is love ever enough when the world is at war?

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief here.

Plume: World Explorer by Tania McCartney

Hitch a ride on the Albatross Express and travel the globe with Plume: World Explorer. This exciting new picture book series for little ones celebrates culture, diversity and the natural wonders of our world.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of World Explorer here.

Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum by Leigh Hobbs

What’s green, has three eyes, and lives in a cage by Horrible Harriet’s bed? And what happens when it goes missing…? From the incredible imagination of Leigh Hobbs comes an original character and an old friend, in Horrible Harriet’s wildest adventure yet.

Ages 5+

Buy a copy of Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum here.

Rules for Vampires by Alex Foulkes, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

A monstrously funny and devilishly dark new adventure from debut talent Alex Foulkes, illustrated throughout by the award-winning Sara Ogilvie, Rules for Vampires is the series that fans of Lemony Snickett and Skulduggery Pleasant will devour for breakfast.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Rules for Vampires here.

Kensy and Max #8: High Voltage by Jacqueline Harvey 

As all leads point to the annual E-Prix championship, Kensy and Max find themselves drawn into the middle of a menacing plot. High-powered sports cars are not the only dangers on the streets of Sintra. Someone wants Wolf Motors and the Formula E car race to go up in smoke, and they won’t let anything – or anyone – get in their way.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of High Voltage here.

Horror Heights #1: The Slime by Bec Hill

Welcome to Horror Heights: can the children who live here conceal the strange goings on behind closed doors? Goosebumps for a new generation, by award-winning comedian and CITV presenter, Bec Hill.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The Slime here.

The Worst Sleepover in the World by Sophie Dahl

Ramona and Gracie think their sleepover will be the BEST SLEEPOVER IN HISTORY. But nothing quite goes to plan. Will Gracie, Ramona and her little sister Ruby be able to solve their problems and still be friends in the morning? A playful story exploring the hilarious complications of first friendships, from an exciting new voice in children’s literature.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of The Worst Sleepover in the World here.

Seven Wherewithal Way by Samantha-Ellen Bound

Full of heart-in-your-mouth action, unforgettable characters and folklore-inspired magic that feels both fresh and familiar, Seven Wherewithal Way is the unputdownable first book in an epic portal fantasy series.

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Seven Wherewithal Way here.

A Clock of Stars #2: Beyond the Mountains by Fransesca Gibbons, illustrated by Chris Riddell

The thrilling sequel to the best-selling middle-grade debut of Autumn 2020. Beautifully illustrated throughout by Chris Riddell, exciting and funny, the Clock of Stars trilogy is a timeless fantasy from the most astonishing new voice in middle grade.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Beyond the Mountains here.

Noni the Pony Counts to a Million by Alison Lester

Noni the Pony has a lot of fun counting everything she sees on a happy summer’s day! You may have met Noni already in Noni the Pony, Noni the Pony Goes to the Beach and Noni the Pony Rescues a Joey. Alison Lester’s books are favourites with children and adults around the world. Magic Beach, Imagine, My Farm and Noni the Pony are Australian classics.

Ages 1+

Buy a copy of Noni the Pony Counts to a Million here.

Little Bont and the Big Secret by Marcus Bontempelli and Fiona Harris, illustrated by Megan Higgins

From Western Bulldogs’ captain and four-time club Best & Fairest winner Marcus Bontempelli comes a heartwarming story about honesty, family … and of course, a little bit of footy.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Little Bont and the Big Secret here.

Cricket, I Just Love It! by Alister Nicholson, illustrated by Tom Jellett

For any kid who’s ever hit a six over the back fence or dreamed of making a century at the MCG, here is a love song to Australia’s most iconic summer sport. From classic catches to backyard matches, this is a joyful and heartfelt celebration of all things cricket, written by a much-loved ABC sports broadcaster.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of Cricket, I Just Love It! here.

Winston and the Indoor Cat by Leila Rudge

Two very different cats: Winston, a free-spirited explorer; and The Indoor Cat, lover of leisure; form a friendship and show each other how different their lives could be.  This is a delightful new picture book from the talented author/illustrator of Ted and CBCA Honour Book, Gary.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Winston and the Indoor Cat here.