COMMENTS

1. Rebecca Toltz says:

   26 June 2026 at 2:32 pm

   Australian picture books hold a special place in all reader’s hearts. Artist and illustrator, Michael Speechley has out done himself in this beautiful picture book.

   Reply
2. Karen Vonovono says:

   26 June 2026 at 2:46 pm

   This would be the best young children’s book, both my grand children love this book & love having it read over & over, Julia Donaldson is amazing. Great illustrations

   Reply
3. Sheila Atley says:

   26 June 2026 at 3:03 pm

   Whilst not an Australian publication, my children and grandchildren have all loved this book. It has made them cry, be afraid, laugh and enjoy the silliness of the animals. The number of times I have been asked to read it to them, and to their friends, I should know it off by heart by now!

   Reply
4. SandraFreeman says:

   26 June 2026 at 3:06 pm

   A unique , quirky book with crazy illustrations that was enjoyed by my 40 year old son when he was young and is now a much loved
   favourite of his son.

   Reply
5. Marina Toailoa says:

   26 June 2026 at 3:09 pm

   This book is an excellent book to teach children from as young as 2+. It’s very easy to understand, its direct on body safety language which is what children need to learn and it has engaging images. It’s age appropriate and very educational. I spent years working in law enforcement and predators prey on children who do not know how to speak up for themselves and directly say no. This book empowers children with the language to protect themselves. Everyone who has worked in law enforcement knows the gap in child safety is we need to teach more directly about protective behaviours and this book does exactly that. Jayneen also has a great passion to genuinely protect children through education.

   Reply
6. Vanessa Fellows says:

   26 June 2026 at 3:51 pm

   The 27th Annual African Hippopotamus Race is one of my favourite stories from when I was a kid and would absolutely devour books. Now as a teacher with a 37 year career I love switching kids on to reading. I have read this as a class serial so many times, the most recent being last year. The kids across the ages have loved it too, my measure of a good book.

   Reply
7. Leigh Brown says:

   26 June 2026 at 4:39 pm

   My Grandchildren love this Series they have read all 20 books in the Series

   Reply
8. Myrna says:

   26 June 2026 at 4:57 pm

   Loving all things by Will Kostakis. We Could Be Something is a masterpiece.

   Reply
9. Linda Lane says:

   26 June 2026 at 6:05 pm

   Lots of books I like to read to the children

   Reply
10. Cheryl Linke says:

    26 June 2026 at 6:43 pm

    I immersed myself in the series of books based on The Faraway Tree. Everyday my imagination led me up the tree and joining in the adventures of folk who lived in the faraway tree. I giggled at those who were drenched in the washing water from Dame Washalot. I have my original books in my book shelf and they still create memories for me. Unfortunately the movie, The Faraway Tree, did not do much for me. It did not create the magic that Enid Blyton did in the book.

    Reply
11. Jenny Simpson says:

    26 June 2026 at 7:30 pm

    Stellaphant is a beautifully illustrated book and a wonderful story that celebrates diversity, and girl power!! I also love that it invites curiosity about space travel and reminds us that anything is possible in our imaginations.

    Reply
12. dornell wylie says:

    26 June 2026 at 7:41 pm

    Heidi was my essential readevery holiday. Over the uears I was given the followon novels and they were amazing, but mnothing matched the teary, smiling, gratifying read Heidi provided.

    Reply
13. Joanne Sharp says:

    27 June 2026 at 3:04 pm

    Such wonder and amazement still valid after 80 years . Such memories of childhood imaginings.

    Reply
14. Joanne Sharp says:

    27 June 2026 at 3:05 pm

    The Magic Faraway Tree

    Such wonder and amazement still valid after 80 years . Such memories of childhood imaginings.

    Reply
15. Kylie Crossley says:

    27 June 2026 at 5:46 pm

    My children and now grandchildren love Mem Fox’s books. The illustrations are gorgeous and the stories are timeless. It is also lovely that they are Australian.

    Reply
16. Bianca Hewes says:

    27 June 2026 at 7:07 pm

    Will’s novel ‘We Can Be Something’ is such a moving story and it is so beautifully written. So Australian. So human. It’s powerful in a way you don’t know you need until you read it. In fact, I miss my first reading!

    Reply
17. Bianca Hewes says:

    27 June 2026 at 7:08 pm

    We Could Be Something is probably one of the most underrated Australian novels in the last decade.

    Reply
18. Carmel K says:

    29 June 2026 at 11:59 am

    This is such an amazing, heartfelt book, and Karen is a local author (Gympie). I challenge anyone to read this book and not come out changed.

    Reply
19. Andrew says:

    30 June 2026 at 4:57 pm

    Plenty for adults and young adults alike.

    Reply
20. David Sinner says:

    30 June 2026 at 5:32 pm

    My Vote: Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This is the book I’d choose because it reminds readers that kindness can make a real difference. The story is heartfelt without feeling overly sentimental, and seeing FNF events through different characters’ perspectives makes it memorable. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

    Reply
21. Nicole Pilgrim says:

    30 June 2026 at 5:36 pm

    Karen Foxlee is the most beautiful author. We LOVE her books.

    Reply
22. Melissa A says:

    30 June 2026 at 5:57 pm

    Absolutely love We Saw What You Started! Can’t wait to start reading the next! Carla Salmon is very talented

    Reply
23. Melissa A says:

    30 June 2026 at 6:04 pm

    Loved We Saw What You started! Carla is extremely talented and if you haven’t read her books, you should!

    Reply
24. Garry Poole says:

    1 July 2026 at 12:48 pm

    A great book that my grand kids enjoy. I love them asking me to spend time reading it with them each day. These Hennessy books are wonderful and wholesome.

    Reply
25. Sue Webster says:

    1 July 2026 at 1:14 pm

    Great read for my grandkids

    Reply
26. K V says:

    1 July 2026 at 2:13 pm

    Beautiful book.

    Reply
27. Jasmine Crabb says:

    1 July 2026 at 2:18 pm

    The girl and the ghost is such an amazing series by Jaqueline Harvey!! So cute and easy to read will always recommend

    Reply
28. Ron Clarke says:

    1 July 2026 at 2:57 pm

    We all love Bun

    Reply
29. June Lewis says:

    1 July 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Such a great read.
    There is such adventure,wonderful relationships,monsters and lots to make you think about.
    Well written and suspense throughout.

    Reply
30. Leesa Pearce says:

    1 July 2026 at 7:15 pm

    I loved this sequel to Gus and the missing boy. Both books would reach a wide age group of readers. I found I could not put the story down, I binge read and finished it in one day. Accolades to Troy Hunter, as a short story writer now novelist, his novel is truely fun, exiting, and full of suspense. I loved every page!

    Reply
31. Caroline says:

    1 July 2026 at 7:19 pm

    Both my son and daughter absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one. An adventure with heart.

    Reply
32. Rachelle says:

    1 July 2026 at 8:56 pm

    À must read for all ! Troy loves Agatha Christie and he brings this passion to the Gus series. Gus and the Burning Stones is a real page turner!

    Reply
33. Richard Vickers says:

    2 July 2026 at 1:10 pm

    Excellent book and easy read, with children enjoying every moment

    Reply
34. Henrietta Bryan says:

    3 July 2026 at 12:11 pm

    Murder is Going Down is a book I bought my teenage grandchildren and ended up reading myself and thoroughly enjoyed. Nice to find a good mystery without graphic gore or words

    Reply
35. Paul Toonen says:

    3 July 2026 at 1:49 pm

    Fantastic book and Author.

    Reply
36. Michelle Philpott says:

    4 July 2026 at 7:19 am

    Tomorrow when the war began by John Marsden has stood the pass of time and still remains a favourite. As a teacher librarian I recommend this book to soo many, placing it in the hands of readers who come back to then eat up the rest of the series. Make, female, young or old it’s a favourite.

    Reply
37. Geraldine Thompson says:

    4 July 2026 at 10:59 am

    Reading is a life skill!!! A lifetime of adventures.

    Reply
38. Ryan Mitchell says:

    5 July 2026 at 12:04 am

    This is a wonderful initiative to encourage reading and celebrate children’s literature. Giving young readers and families the opportunity to vote for their favorite books helps foster a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. Activities that bring communities together around shared interests are always valuable, much like the enthusiastic communities that continue to share experiences, tips, and creativity around fm23 for PC.

    Reply
39. Kerrilynn Collier says:

    5 July 2026 at 11:04 am

    It’s an amazing book for children to be confident and be themselves selves.
    Very fun for the children to read.
    illustrated beautifully

    Reply
40. Rachel says:

    5 July 2026 at 5:02 pm

    Little Angler by Zoe Gaetjens was a free book given to us in our child and family health group on behalf of words grow minds. It’s been his favourite book for more than a year. High contrast colours, lift the flaps and a great little adventure story.

    Reply
41. Colin Luck says:

    5 July 2026 at 5:12 pm

    My three year old granddaughter loves me reading this book to her.

    Reply
42. Karyn Herath says:

    6 July 2026 at 2:05 pm

    Children and adults love this picture book to read together

    Reply
43. Penni Russon says:

    6 July 2026 at 2:49 pm

    Robin Klein is a truly extraordinary writer and any of her books might make this list, but People Might Hear You haunts me.

    Reply
44. Margot Hayes says:

    6 July 2026 at 3:16 pm

    Love the rhythm and repetition. Great for very young children

    Reply
45. Annette Wells says:

    6 July 2026 at 3:47 pm

    What an inspirational book and illustrations that engage and connect with the readers both young and old Perfect 👌🏽

    Reply
46. Lynda Brown says:

    6 July 2026 at 4:01 pm

    Absolutely love reading this book with my grandchildren. It’s timeless.

    Reply
47. Kate Nixon says:

    6 July 2026 at 5:19 pm

    Fantastic book for kids aged 7- teens. Humour, imaginative and my daughter keeps reading it over and over.

    Reply
48. T Ward says:

    6 July 2026 at 7:24 pm

    I found this wonderful book and it’s been a winner with my classroom of 2-3year old children, as they navigate sharing, and friendships.

    Reply
49. STEPHANIE GEMMILL says:

    6 July 2026 at 7:34 pm

    Little Bones is a mystical verse novel that digs deeply into grief and trying to fix the pain through the resurrection of a bird. Achingly beautiful words by Australian author Sandy Bigna that last with you long after the last page turn.

    Reply
50. Mary Adler says:

    6 July 2026 at 10:29 pm

    A fabulous book ..such positive vibes..

    Reply
51. Sheena Russell says:

    6 July 2026 at 11:17 pm

    A bit lost but Chris Haughton. Oh, this book is one we read over and over again with our eldest daughter. She’s almost 12 but it’s still one of our favourites! She used to do these little actions for ‘big eyes’ and ‘pointy ears’, still melts my heart thinking of it. Simple illustrations and story, but shared it so many times in our home.

    Reply
52. Anna says:

    7 July 2026 at 4:21 pm

    When my children were small, they would not go to bed without at least one reading of THE MAGIC BEACH by Alison Lester. It captured their imagination like no other story!

    Reply
53. Michele Purcell says:

    7 July 2026 at 5:59 pm

    I voted for The children’s poetry book, ‘If I Could eat the Stars’: poems chosen by Rebecca M. Newman and Sally Murphy because it is full of wonderful poems for primary school children. The illustrations by Briony Stewart exactly match each poem and make the book a joy to read. The poems are all written by WA children’s poets and reflect the people and landscapes of Western Australia.

    Reply
54. Melissa Hardy says:

    7 July 2026 at 6:18 pm

    I love the Hunger Games because of the exciting dystopian theme. (I’ve been reading a lot of dystopian books lately.) I like how Collins Tues everything together well, and has puzzles upon puzzles written on her pages. I’ve read all five books in the series twice, but the first is still my favourite..

    Reply
55. Jason Humphris says:

    7 July 2026 at 6:58 pm

    A very special book and there is really nothing like it ❤️

    Reply
56. Sarah Buckle-Dykes says:

    7 July 2026 at 7:53 pm

    I just love books for middle grade age range – the stories can take you anywhere! They are full of imagination gone wild, creativity, warm characters and life affirming plot lines. The very best ones fill your soul and stay with you forever.

    Reply
57. Kyda says:

    7 July 2026 at 8:21 pm

    Vote for Wurrtoo, the best book!! Love the story and the graphics, can’t wait to see it win.

    Reply
58. Tylah H says:

    7 July 2026 at 9:42 pm

    We love “Down the bush track little Bee”. It a beautiful Australian book, highlighting the importance of native Australian bees with its amazing illustrations. We have all her books & read them to our unborn daughter who actively kicks and response to her books. Love all your books Sarah Jane Lightfoot, hope you win! Save the bees more than ever!

    Reply
59. Ryan Mitchell says:

    7 July 2026 at 9:54 pm

    This is a fantastic initiative! Encouraging children to vote for their favorite books helps inspire a lifelong love of reading while giving young readers a chance to share the stories that mean the most to them. It’s also a great opportunity for families to discover new titles together. Having information about the voting process easily accessible for PCmakes it even more convenient for parents and teachers to participate.

    Reply
60. Kim Penny says:

    8 July 2026 at 4:38 am

    Liv is a wonderful woman that lives through authenticity, kindness, and a deep knowledge and understanding of human connection, and this translates into her beautiful book.

    Reply
61. Linda Watt says:

    8 July 2026 at 7:19 am

    Men Fox takes the reader and the listener to a world of wonder and childhood magic. Every child dreams of being invisible. And every parent strives to protect their child. Possum Magic brings these two together and meshes them with the iconic Australiana. Cheeky. Fun, a little danger but always protective Grandma Poss. It makes you smile and melts your heart

    Reply
62. Megan Austin says:

    8 July 2026 at 7:26 am

    My class and grandchildren have thoroughly enjoyed Down The Bush Track, Little Bee, the illustrations are bright and colourful which the love! They also love that they have seen the blue banded bee and sugar bag bee in real life and now in a book 🐝

    Reply
63. Jacinta Janik says:

    8 July 2026 at 5:56 pm

    Such an amazing opportunity! I absolutely love Lynette Noni’s writing

    Reply
64. Leen Kujan says:

    8 July 2026 at 7:49 pm

    I grew up with this book series and ut immediately altered my brain chemistry. My second fav would be anything from oages and co series

    Reply
65. Kaelie says:

    8 July 2026 at 9:21 pm

    YA doesn’t get any better than Lynette Noni’s ‘Medoran Chronicles’!

    Reply
66. Jo Schenkel says:

    8 July 2026 at 9:49 pm

    When my son came home from primary school, some 25 years ago, enthusing to his teacher librarian mother about a book he’d loved, I had to investigate. I’d not read Fox previously but fell in love with it. Over the years, I’ve lost track of how many classes I’ve read it to, and how many other students connected with it.
    Picture books are certainly not just for the very young. In my role as a relief teacher, I always travel with a bag of picture books, no matter what year level I’m teaching.

    Reply
67. Elle shemesh says:

    8 July 2026 at 10:33 pm

    Lynette Noni is truly one of my favourite authors.
    Her books always transform me into another world.

    Reply
68. Alice says:

    9 July 2026 at 7:17 am

    love this book!!

    Reply
69. Alice says:

    9 July 2026 at 7:17 am

    Lynette Noni’s books are amazing!

    Reply
70. Tammy says:

    9 July 2026 at 3:13 pm

    Love this series of books.

    Reply
71. Donna says:

    9 July 2026 at 3:51 pm

    I love that these books are bright and funny they capture the listener and make magic happen. Making both adults and children laugh out loud. Love Tanya’s books

    Reply
72. Livia says:

    9 July 2026 at 4:17 pm

    😁

    Reply
73. Avelyn says:

    9 July 2026 at 4:22 pm

    What a fabulous story!

    Reply
74. Angie Tomkinson says:

    9 July 2026 at 4:23 pm

    I love Enid Blyton books. They capture the mystery and the story keeps you engaged.

    Reply
75. Amanda Archer says:

    9 July 2026 at 5:13 pm

    Children for many generations have loved this book . Shows love and compassion can come in all shapes and sizes, deeply moving and unforgettable story about the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. This is always a popular book when we read it at our school .

    Reply
76. Annette Wells says:

    9 July 2026 at 5:25 pm

    What a fabulous book hooks the readers in just by reading the title . Detailed illustrations artwork and comprehensive knowledge for the young and the young at heart .👌🏽👌🏽

    Reply
77. Belinda White says:

    10 July 2026 at 1:27 am

    My 8 year old loved this book and really related to it .. loved she was ADHD like her and found lots to connect with within the story…

    Reply
78. Maureen Moore says:

    10 July 2026 at 9:42 am

    First book by this Author. This warm fast paced adventure is told with understanding and insight capturing the readers imagination from beginning to end.
    My Grandson is soo looking forward to the Authors next story.

    Reply
79. Maureen Moore says:

    10 July 2026 at 9:44 am

    My Grandson is soo looking forward to the Authors next story.
    He so enjoyed the adventure shared by Jace, Alex and Felix .

    Reply
80. Maureen Moore says:

    10 July 2026 at 9:46 am

    Great Adventure Book, so enjoyed by my Grandson, who eagerly awaits the next book!

    Reply
81. Kate Carey says:

    10 July 2026 at 2:40 pm

    A wonderful story which we have included into our Literature Circle program because of Tylissa Elisara’s exquisite writing style and the important messages of wonder, friendship and resilience.

    Reply
82. Dee Jones says:

    10 July 2026 at 4:22 pm

    I love to imagine travelling to the different lands and meeting the characters such as Mr Saucepan and Dame Washalot. I read these books in the series to my children and grandchildren.

    Reply
83. Jill Matthews says:

    10 July 2026 at 7:42 pm

    Wonderful book for my grandchildren and I love the illustrations so beautifully drawn and a family favorite

    Reply
84. Patrick Berney says:

    10 July 2026 at 9:40 pm

    Best illustrator I’ve seen

    Reply
85. smaliehe says:

    11 July 2026 at 12:53 pm

    I checked out this poll and found it quite interesting; it’s really not easy to choose everyone’s favorite book.

    But honestly, for us students, not only do we have heavy academic workloads, but if we also have part-time jobs, time management is a real headache. Especially calculating overtime pay or working hours—manually calculating is agonizing. Recently, I discovered a website called Overtime Calculator, which is incredibly simple and easy to use. Just enter your working hours and it automatically calculates your overtime pay perfectly, saving a lot of trouble. I recommend it to any friends who are also working part-time or overwhelmed with work; it really saves us a lot of precious time.

    By the way, have you been reading any particularly recommended extracurricular books lately?

    Reply
86. Margaret Galbraith says:

    11 July 2026 at 5:58 pm

    This has been a family favourite for many years and is now passed onto our new granddaughter age 9 months. I am sure she will love it just as much as our children did.

    Reply
87. Max Johnson says:

    14 July 2026 at 12:23 am

    Great initiative — the Better Reading Kids’ Top 50 is a wonderful way to celebrate the books that shaped so many childhoods. It’s always fun to see which titles resonate most with Australian readers, and the chance to win a book pack makes it even better. I love that you can nominate anything from a classic to a recent release. Voting for a specific title rather than a whole series is a nice touch too. Worth taking a few minutes to cast your vote! More here: https://rubyreelsaustralia.net/

    Reply