The Year in Review: Kids Reading Highlights of 2023

2023 was another fantastic year of books for kids and YA readers! From gloriously illustrated picture books to stirring adventures with unforgettable characters, notable award-winners to bestselling fan-favourites, we were spoilt for choice when it came to rounding up this list of highlights. Read on for a few of the books that stood out for us this year…

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

Winner of the 2023 CBCA Picture Book of the Year, My Strange Shrinking Parents is a heartbreaking and heart-warming story full of humour and pathos. Sworder reflects on the strange nature of giving and receiving love and celebrates those parents who embrace a hard life for themselves in the hope of a better life from their children. Ages 4+.

Runt by Craig Silvey

We couldn’t list our 2023 highlights without mentioning Runt, which took out the #1 spot on our Top 50 Kids Books this year. It’s a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others. Ages 8+.

The Gargoyle by Zana Fraillon, Illustrated by Ross Morgan

The poignant story of an old gargoyle, forced off his rooftop to make way for a new urban development in a barren cityscape, and the child who encounters him on an overcrowded train, from one of Australia’s most critically acclaimed writers for children. Ages 6+.

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter, Illustrated by Simon Howe

The follow-up to the ABIA Award-winning A Girl Called Corpse, The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is a magical adventure full of danger, darkness and mysteries. Questions bubble up from the deep. Dark secrets come to light… Ages 8+.

We Could Be Something by Will Kostakis

Part coming-out story. Part falling-in-love story. Part falling-apart story. We Could Be Something is a beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us, which made it onto our 2023 Top 50 Kids Books. Ages 14+.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

There’s a place where all the wildest stories begin, and we can safely say that one of those places is the imagination of Katherine Rundell. Impossible Creatures is simply sensational, and everyone who reads this book raves about it. Ages 9+.

Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star by Laura Noakes, Illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino

Exciting, funny, moving – and featuring joyous and authentic disabled representation – Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star is easily one of the best middle-grade debuts of 2023. Ages 8+.

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

Recently shortlisted for next year’s Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Children’s Literature, Ghost Book is a thrilling contemporary fantasy graphic novel about a girl who befriends a boy ghost stuck between the worlds of the living and the dead. Ages 8+.

Wylah the Koorie Warrior #2: Custodians by Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard

Custodians is the second book in the Wylah the Koorie Warrior series, full of heart-stopping adventure and starring a hero for the ages and her mega-funny megafauna friends. This bestselling series is a total delight, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get bigger! Ages 8+.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Who doesn’t love taking a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic read? And it’s even better when you can share the magic with a little one. This year we celebrated twenty years of the legendary Pigeon with a special anniversary edition of Mo Willems’ best-loved, Caldecott Honor-winning picture book. Ages 0+.

Being Jimmy Baxter by Fiona Lloyd

A gently funny yet powerful coming-of-age middle grade novel about surviving the odds, unlikely friendships and the magical music of Elvis. This hopeful, big-hearted book shines a light on community, friendship and the resilience of kids. Ages 10+.

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Julie Morstad

From master storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes an original fairy tale, enchantingly illustrated, in which five puppets confront circumstances beyond their control with patience, cunning and high spirits. Ages 7+.

Bidhi Galing by Anita Heiss, Illustrated by Samantha Campbell

Powerful and moving, Bidhi Galing (Big Rain) celebrates the Wiradyuri heroes of the Great Flood of Gundagai in 1852, told through the eyes of a young girl who is rescued from the raging floodwaters by her father. From renowned author Anita Heiss. Ages 3+.

Foodwise by Lucy Bell and Lucy Leonardi

This informative and accessible reference book teaches kids to experience food in fun and exciting ways. Find out where it comes from, how it’s grown, how to buy and care for it, ways to cook it, and best of all, all the ways you can share it with your family and friends. Ages 8+.