Spread Magic, Not Germs: August Highlights at Better Reading Kids

Although our world seems smaller and the pace of some parts of our lives seems slower the year is racing by. As August 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.

With normal living circumstances everchanging, 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 August:

Monster Hunting for Beginners by Ian Mark

After accidentally defeating an ogre, Jack finds himself apprenticed to a grumpy old monster hunter. All Jack has is his wits, his catapult, and a magical book. He’s worried he might not be the hero everyone’s waited for, but how many terrifying monsters can there really be?  It’s fresh and full of adventure!

Ages 8+

Bedtime Sorted! by Jimmy Rees, illustrated by Briony Stewart

Who said bedtime was hard? Dad’s got bedtime sorted—until the excuses start… From one of Australia’s best-loved comedians and children’s entertainers, comes this debut book about the bedtime excuses that families everywhere will know all too well.

Ages 3+

Pow Pow Pig #1: An Unexpected Hero by Anh Do

From one of Australia’s best-loved storytellers comes Pow Pow Pig – an awesome new adventure series. With a fast-paced storyline, a cliff-hanger ending, and complementary illustrations, An Unexpected Hero is perfect for newly independent readers.

Ages 6+

Celebrating 20 Years of the Little Wombat series

For 20 years, authors and illustrators have created charmingly illustrated, deeply reassuring Little Wombat stories about getting lost and found again. This iconic series celebrates playing with friends, making lots of noise, and cuddling up with a parent.

Ages 3+

The Way to Impossible Island by Sophie Kirtley

Dara wonders when he’ll get to live his real life. Are his dreams just silly fantasies? This is a brave, life-affirming time-slip adventure about finding your family and finding yourself, from the author of The Wild Way Home. It’s original and full of heart.

Ages 10+

Robin Hood #3: Jet Skis, Swamps and Smugglers by Robert Muchamore

An utterly riveting page-turner! Robin Hood is back! He’s still fighting for justice, but his heroic raids and escalating popularity threaten a lot of powerful people. When a posse of special forces soldiers is sent to hunt Robin down, all he has to do is lie low and stay out of trouble. Easy right?

Ages 10+

The Good Times of Pelican Rise #1: Save the Joeys by Samone Amba

Welcome to The Good Times of Pelican Rise, a fun series that explores growing up, finding community spirit, and using your voice to Be the Change! When tasked with building a legacy project, Sunday Moon and her year six peers set out to save as many joeys as they can.

Ages 9+

Half My Luck by Samera Kamaleddine

From the winner of HarperCollins’ inaugural Matilda Prize comes a heartwarming coming-of-age story about growing up in Australia when you’re caught between two cultures. It’s an entertaining and relatable book!

Ages 12+

My Dad Thinks He’s Super Funny by Katrina Germein, illustrated by Tom Jellett

In this latest instalment in the bestselling My Dad Thinks He’s Funny series, there’s an endless supply of fresh and brilliant comedic material for parents and children. With Father’s Day around the corner, it would make the perfect gift for dads and father figures!

Ages 5+