You might remember that earlier this year I named my favourite books for the first half of 2019…so here I am, back again with my picks from the past six months! If you’re looking for Christmas gifts, I’ve made it easy by saying what it is about each of these books that makes it so fabulous. Happy shopping, and happy reading!
Best Picture Book for Younger Children
You Might Find Yourself
By Tai Snaith
This visually stunning book follows a small person’s journey as they navigate the world through their imagination. The lovingly handcrafted collage illustrations invite readers on a journey down the winding path that is life, from eating green beans with a king and a queen to playing a hologram guitar from the future.
This is a beautiful book to share with readers aged 2 and up, and will invite wonderful conversations about life’s possibilities, and imagining where you might find yourself.
Engaging Kids’ Non-Fiction
Argh! There’s a Skeleton Inside You!
By Idan Ben-Barak & Julian Frost
From the creators of the award-winning Do Not Lick This Book comes another non-fiction book perfect for curious youngsters. This time, readers are taken on an interactive journey beneath their skin, for an up-close look at bones, muscles and nerves, and the ways in which they help us perform everyday actions.
The adorably quirky characters, fascinating content and the way in which the reader is drawn into the action of the story will make this a hit for children aged 4-7.
Fabulous Rhyming Read-Aloud
All of the Factors of Why I Love Tractors
By Davina Bell and Jenny Lovlie
Parents of transport-obsessed children will know that you can never have too many vehicle books, and this is a wonderful choice to add to your collection. Young Frankie McGee is desperate to make his exhausted mother (with whom many parents will identify!) understand that tractors are his passion, and no other vehicle quite measures up.
From the beautiful rhyming text to the bright, engaging illustrations, this book will be adored by readers aged 3 and up.
Masterful Modern Fairytale
The Underhills: A Tooth Fairy Story
By Bob Graham
In this beautiful companion to Bob Graham’s celebrated April Underhill, Tooth Fairy, the fairy sisters April and Esme are on a brand new adventure. While staying at Grandma and Grandad’s for the weekend, enjoying fairy cakes and chocolates on their pillows, the sisters are called to the airport on an urgent and thrilling tooth fairy job.
Children aged four and up are sure to love this stunningly illustrated new story, full of hope, possibility, and the magic of a secret fairy world.
Best Picture Book for Older Readers
The Corner of My Eye
By Colin Thompson
This is a touching book about what it is like to lose one’s confidence with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Full of Thompson’s indescribably detailed illustrations, it is a story of the special relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter, who tries to see life through his eyes.
This is a wonderful book to share with children aged five and up, and would provide a perfect springboard for discussions about ageing and memories.
Hilarious Picture Book that Grown-Ups Will Love Too
My Folks Grew Up in the ‘80s
By Beck & Robin Feiner
My Folks Grew Up in the '80s is a stroll down memory lane for the kids who grew up then, and a hilarious chance to share the decade's outright weirdness with a whole new generation. The book’s quirky text references everything from crimpers and cassette tapes to leg-warmers and shoulder pads. The bright illustrations almost pop off the page, and are full of hidden details which invite repeat readings.
This is a fabulous book to share with children aged five and up, to enjoy travelling back in time together.
Must-Read for Parents
Raising Readers: How to Nurture a Child’s Love of Books
By Megan Daley
Some kids refuse to read, others won’t stop. Either way, many parents question the best way to support their child’s literacy journey. When can you start reading to your child? How do you find that special book to inspire a reluctant reader? What can you do to keep your tween reading into their adolescent years? This book answers all these questions and many more, and includes practical tips and detailed lists of suggested books for kids of all ages and interests.
Raising Readers would make a fantastic gift for new parents, and is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about raising book-loving children who will grow into lifelong readers.
Best Conversation-Starter
Take Heart, Take Action
By Beci Orpin
Renowned Australian illustrator, Beci Orpin, created this book as a reminder that anyone, young or old, can make a positive impact on today's world. From saving water and protecting nature to having gratitude and riding bikes, this book includes twenty conversation starters to remind us that we have the power to make our Earth a better place.
This is a meaningful and visually striking book to share with children of all ages, and is perfect for anyone who wants to create a more openhearted and sustainable world.
Beautiful Bedtime Story
Nop
By Caroline Magerl
Nop is a scruffy kind of bear. He sits on a dusty armchair in Oddmint's Dumporeum surrounded by the beaders, knitters, patchers and stitchers who are much too busy to talk to him. So he watches the litter tumble until, armed with a new bow tie, he has an idea that will change his life forever.
Award-winning author-illustrator Caroline Magerl beautifully blends poetic text with stunning watercolour illustrations in this tale of two unlikely loners who forge a forever friendship. A heartwarming read for children aged two and up.
Perfect for Perfectionists
Arthur and the What-Ifs
By Heath McKenzie
Arthur loves nothing more than playing his little red violin…as long as nobody is around to hear him! He is tormented by fear – what if no one else likes his music? What if he makes a mistake? What if someone laughs at him? Until one day Arthur considers an entirely different question: What if…it’s good?
This is a beautiful story for readers aged 3-8 about the magic that can happen when we’re brave enough to share our creative pursuits with others.
NOTE: Busy Bookworms reviews the latest children’s books each month for My Child Magazine. This content originally appeared at www.mychildmagazine.com.au