Date : November 7, 2018
Australian kids literature is alive and well in 2018, with loads of wonderful new books appearing on bookshelves everywhere as if by magic. From fantasy to laugh-out-loud humour, from adventure to the contemporary, there’s something new to suit the tastes of every child. Get your kids enthralled with reading by introducing them to enchanting new titles from brilliant Australian authors like Aaron Blabey, Jessica Townsend, Anh Do, and the ever-inspiring May Gibbs. For more on what’s new in Australian kids literature and what should be on everyone’s to-read list, read on!
What’s new and what’s good!
2018 is a great time to be a kid who loves reading in Australia. Check out this wide range of Australian kids literature due out in 2018. From young adult literature right through to board books for babies, there’s something to delight and excite every child.
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crowe by Jessica Townsend – out 31st October
Since Harry Potter took the world by storm in the late 1990s and early 2000’s, readers everywhere have been champing at the bit for another magical series to delve into. Alas, the offerings have all been somewhat disappointing. Well, with the sudden explosion of Jessica Townsend’s wonderful Nevermoor last year, the search is over! Finally, a wonderful new world full of magic and wit, friendship and adventure! The series continues this October with Townsend’s hugely anticipated next book in the Nevermoor series, Wundersmith! Explore the world of Nevermoor with Morrigan Crowe, Jupiter North, and a cast of zany characters, as Morrigan discovers what it means to be a Wundersmith. Expect loads of delightful magic and wonderful adventure.
Ranger’s Apprentice: Royal Ranger 2 by John Flanagan – out 2nd July 2018
John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series is an action-packed fantasy set in a world where orphans are expected to be either chosen as an apprentice by one of the masters in the town where they live or sent to work in the fields. The characters in these wonderful novels are chosen to become Rangers, an intelligence force known as the unofficial spies of the king. Wonderfully written and full of adventure, heroism and action, these novels have been a huge success both in Australia and internationally. This marks the second novel of the sequel series.
Kensy and Max: Breaking News! By Jacqueline Harvey – out 26th February 2018
What would you do if your whole life changed in the blink of an eye? If you woke up and had absolutely no idea what was going on? Twins Kensy and Max are faced with this dilemma when they are whisked off to London and their whole lives are turned upside down. They discover their parents are missing and so many things just don’t add up at their new school. All around them, adults are keeping secrets. In this action-packed spy adventure series, these twins are determined to uncover the truth!
104 Storey Tree House by Andy Griffiths – out 10th July 2018
This is the eighth volume of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s treasured Treehouse series – a series full of wacky, zany adventure and true laugh-out-loud moments. With memorable characters, brilliant illustrations, and intelligent writing, this is a series Australian children have flocked to in droves. Climb the never-ending staircase or relax in the sunny meadow full of buttercups, bluebirds, and butterflies and have the time of your life!
Splashy Weird! By Anh Do – out 1st September 2018
From comedian to celebrity painter to children’s author, Anh Do goes from strength to strength – and his own story as a refugee who turns his artistic talents and wonderful sense of humour into commercial success is an inspiration to all Australians. The 11th title in Anh Do’s WeirDo series, these stories are funny, clever and kids just adore them. In this volume, the school swimming carnival is on and Weir isn’t looking forward to it at all. Catch up with Weir and all his crazy hijinks in this hilarious series that every school-aged child in Australia can relate to.
My Dog the Dinosaur by Jackie French – out 4th September 2018
The second in the fabulous Wacky Families series, My Dog the Dinosaur features Gunk, a boy with a dog called Spot who is a tad unusual. With a long neck, a flat tail and a huge appetite for lettuce, Spot is the silliest looking dog that Gunk has ever seen. But, with a dad who wears fluffy chicken slippers, a sister who loves weightlifting, and a mum who searches for aliens, Gunk is surrounded by all things silly and wacky. If he points out just how un-dog like Spot is, will his family send Spot away? Join Jackie French into this funny, touching and whimsical world that will delight younger readers as they read about Gunk and his Wacky Family.
A Snugglepot Tale: The Beetle Battle (based on the stories by May Gibbs) – out 1st October 2018
Yes, you’ve read that right – a brand new book based on May Gibbs’ beloved characters. It’s a story involving one of our favourite Gumnut brothers, Snugglepot! Snugglepot is a wonderful character, bold and full of curiosity. In this new volume, his boldness leads him to the Big City, where he has all sorts of fantastic adventures. For this new volume in Snugglepot’s story, be sure to pick up this brand new May Gibbs inspired story book!
Pig the Grub by Aaron Blabey – out 3rd September 2018
Pig the Pug is a delightful series of picture books revolving around the life and antics of Pig, a little pug with a whole lot of attitude. He has won over young readers all around the country, and this new addition is sure to get the little ones giggling. In Pig the Grub, Pig isn’t just the world’s greediest pug – he’s also the stinkiest! So what happens when you try to tell Pig he needs a bath? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
Snore by Alison Lester – out 13th March 2018
Alison Lester is a stalwart of Australian children’s literature – from classics such as Imagine and Are We There Yet?, Alison’s unique voice has been beloved by generations of Australian children. Her new offering, Snore, is a board book designed for infants, telling the story of unique Australian animals and the sounds they make through the use of rhyme.
