From thoughtful to thought provoking, these are the best kids books to give as gifts

Tales from the Sea, by May Gibbs, RRP $15.25

Join Snugglepot and Cuddlepie on an enchanting adventure under the sea with their royal friend, Little Obelia. With amazing sea dragon rides, a marine mystery and a surprise ocean dance, prepare to fall in love with May Gibbs’ classic characters.

You Two, You Two by Brooke Hill, RRP 25.95

A sweet and rollicking celebration of little people growing up together. A timeless book to treasure, it’s a wish to the universe about friendship and adventures shared.

Full of rhyme and charm, this is the book that mums and dads will love reading to their little ones over and over again.

Beautifully illustrated by renowned illustrator Elin Matilda, this gorgeous book is bound in hardcover, to be forever loved.

Leaders (My First Little People, Big Dreams), By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Lisbeth Kaiser RRP $11.90

From the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, Leaders introduces babies and toddlers to some of the greatest leaders from history and today in a sturdy board book format.

This all-new board book primer – from the multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series – introduces the youngest dreamers to the world’s best-loved leaders.

Moon night-time around the world, by Patricia Hegarty, Britta Teckentrup (Illustrator) RRP $18.90

Have you ever wondered why the moon shines in the night-time sky? As the moon waxes and wanes above, the world below is full of busy night-time creatures; from turtles laying their eggs on white sandy beaches, to migrating birds using the moon to navigate their way to sunnier climes. Turn the peek-through pages to see the moon change shape as it goes through the lunar cycle.

Bluey Charades, By Bluey RRP $13.75

At Nana’s house, Bluey and Bingo play a game of Charades. Can they help the littlies stick to the rules? Bluey has been a phenomenal success since airing on ABC KIDS in October 2018, amassing legions of dedicated fans and hugely popular ranges of books, toys, clothes, games and more. It holds the coveted position of being the most watched program ever on ABC iview, with over 260 million plays for Series One, and is the winner of an International Emmy for Most Outstanding Children’s Programme.

The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo, By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Illustrator) RRP $13.75

Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake… and a hungry Gruffalo!

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a best-selling phenomenon across the world with over 13.5 million copies sold. This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come. No home should be without The Gruffalo!

This handy board book format is perfect for younger readers. It features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have for even the smallest Donaldson and Scheffler fans.

Our Skin
A First Conversation About Race, by Jessica Ralli RRP $13.75

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler (Illustrator) RRP $13.75

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. Luckily, they are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, who are all keen for a ride on the broom. It’s a case of the more, the merrier, but the broomstick isn’t used to such a heavy load and it’s not long before… SNAP! It breaks in two! And with a greedy dragon looking for a snack, the witch’s animal pals better think fast!

A very funny story of quick wits and friendship, The Room on the Broom is another smash hit from the unparalleled picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

Roald Dahl’s Opposites
(Lift-the-Flap) by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) RRP $17.40

A first book of opposites from the world of Roald Dahl – with big flaps for little hands!

Day and Night, Big and Small, Hungry and Full – learn your opposites in this funny and clever book, starring the Enormous Crocodile. With lots of flaps, this sturdy board book is perfect for little hands!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle RRP $10.95

Eric Carle’s children’s classic is the story of a very small and very hungry caterpillar who manages to nibble his way through the pages of this enchanting book. Available now in a sturdy board book edition for babies and toddlers to chomp and chew!

Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad, by Liz Climo RRP $13.75

A picture book about a young dinosaur who wants to go on an adventure all by himself, even though his father is always close by. Based on characters from Liz’s Climo’s popular Tumblr, ‘Hi, I’m Liz.’

Meet Rory, the dinosaur. He loves spending time with his dad, but today he wants to go on his own adventure and explore his island home. He can’t wait to tell his dad all about the things he can do all by himself, from crossing rivers to finding shelter from the rain. Little does Rory know, his father is never far behind. There’s nothing Rory’s dad won’t do for his intrepid son – he’ll even let him think he’s made the journey all by himself.

Flip-O-Saurus
Flip and Flop, by Sara Ball, Britta Drehsen RRP $23.25

By turning over the flaps of this clever book, you can put together 1,000 imaginary dinosaurs, like the Stegodocus, the Oviplosaurus, or the Diploraptops. Each dinosaur has fascinating information about its head, body, and tail–so you can make your own Flip-o-saurus and see what it can do!

Come Over to My House, By Eliza Hull, Sally Rippin, Daniel Gray-Barnett RRP $21.25

Come Over To My House is a delightful picture book that explores the home lives of children and parents who are deaf or disabled.

School of Monsters: Luna Boo Has Feelings Too, by Sally Rippin, Chris Kennett (Illustrator) RRP $9.99

Luna’s a ghost, so her classmates can’t see how she feels when they accidentally leave her out of their games. Will showing her true colours help her – or scare them away for good?

Welcome to the School of Monsters: the funniest, silliest and most accessible series for first readers!

Poo Bum, by Stephanie Blake, Linda Burgess (Translator) RRP $15.25

The little rabbit is loved by his family, even though whenever they ask him a question, he answers very rudely.

In the morning his mother would say, ‘Time to get up my little rabbit!’

He’d reply: ‘Poo bum!’

At lunchtime his father would say, ‘Eat your spinach, my little rabbit!’

He’d reply: ‘Poo bum!’

One day he meets a hungry wolf. Will the little rabbit learn his lesson once and for all?

Cows in the Kitchen
Classic Books with Holes, by Airlie Anderson (Illustrator) RRP $12.95

His fields are empty, so Tom Farmer is looking for all the farmyard animals. He’s in for a big surprise when he finds them! What will he do to sort them out?

Die-cut holes in each page hold clues to what follows, with lots of scope for imitation and expression. Bouncy illustrations, innovative die cutting and popular rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child.

Shake A Leg, by Boori Monty Pryor, Jan Ormerod (Illustrator) RRP $20.25

A unique picture book collaboration about having fun, sharing culture and the power of story and dance. A picture book to get the whole town dancing.

The Magnificent Hercules Quick
Australia Reads, by Ursula Dubosarsky, Andrew Joyner (Illustrator) RRP $4.95

An Australia Reads exclusive story about a boy who does a series of odd jobs for his eccentric neighbours, from the current Australian Children’s Laureate and the bestselling creators of The Terrible Plop.

A hilarious story about an ordinary boy who does a series of odd jobs for his eccentric neighbours, from the bestselling creators of The Terrible Plop. An Australia Reads exclusive story.

Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness
Narwhal And Jelly, by Ben Clanton, RRP $13.75

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do love waffles, parties and adventures.

Join Narwhal and Jelly as they become the coolest teachers in the world wide waters in the hilarious sixth book of this blockbuster graphic novel series! Dive into four new stories about Narwhal and Jelly becoming SUBstitute teachers!

Green Eggs and Ham – I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Book Series, by Dr Seuss RRP $20.95

Dr. Seuss turns 50 simple words into magic in this time-honored classic. Sam-I-am won’t give up! He keeps trying to get the grumpy grown-up in the story to taste green eggs and ham. No matter how Sam-I-am presents the green eggs and ham (in a box, with a fox, in the rain, on a train), the curmudgeon refuses to try them. Finally, Sam-I-am’s pesky persistence pays off. A crowd of open-mouthed onlookers watch in suspense as the old grouch takes a bite. And?…SAY! The old sourpuss’s face is wreathed in smiles as he gratefully acknowledges, “I do so like green eggs and ham. Thank you, thank you, Sam-I-am!”

Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel
Magic Tree House, by Mary Pope Osborne RRP $15.25

The #1 bestselling chapter book is now a graphic novel! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked back in time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie!

Where did the tree house come from?

Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?

For the first time in graphic novel–live the adventure again in the very first Magic Tree House book, with new art from comic artists Kelly and Nichole Matthews!

Megamonster, by David Walliams, RRP $15.35

Megamonster is an action-packed page-turning adventure, set on an island in the middle of shark-infested waters – where the Cruel School stands on top of a dormant volcano. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher, Doctor Doktur. When Larker is sent to the school for pulling a prank, she quickly realises something very odd is going on . . . something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster. There seems to be no escape – but for Larker nothing is impossible …

Freedom Day
Vincent Lingiari and the Story of the Wave Hill Walk-Off, by Thomas Mayor, Rosie Smiler, Samantha Campbell (Illustrator) RRP $24.25

When many voices are joined together, with courage, change can happen.

In 1966, more than two hundred courageous Aboriginal people walked off the Wave Hill Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, these stockmen and their families were walking together to fight for equal pay and land rights.

Exquisitely illustrated and designed, this non-fiction picture book brings a landmark historical event to a new generation. Many people have seen the iconic photograph of Gough Whitlam pouring a handful of red soil into the hands of Vincent Lingiari – a symbol of the legal transfer of Gurindji land back to the Gurindji people – and recognise this as a key moment in the ongoing land rights movement. Freedom Day delves into the events that led up to this moment, and makes a rallying cry for the things that still need to change in its wake. Thomas Mayor co-authors this book with Rosie, Vincent Lingiari’s granddaughter, to bring this vital story to life. The story has been written in close consultation with the Lingiari family.

The World That We Want, by Kim Michelle Toft RRP $15.25

A stunning interactive environmental picture book illustrating the unique ecosystems of North Queensland. Each illustration has been exquisitely created by hand painting on silk and each contains 10 representative creatures. Nine ecosystems are explored with the climax bringing together all ecosystems in a rarely attempted multiple gatefold page. The World That We Want brings to centre stage the rare beauty and fragile environment of North Queensland and its native inhabitants of this great land for all to share.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems RRP $15.25

When the driver leaves the bus temporarily, he gives the reader just one instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” But, boy, that pigeon tries every trick in the book to get in that driving seat: he whines, wheedles, fibs and flatters. Will you let him drive? Told entirely in speech bubbles, this is a brilliantly original book.

Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan RRP $26.25

From the much-acclaimed creator of The Arrival, The Red Tree and The Lost Thing, fifteen intriguing illustrated stories about the mysteries that lurk below the surface of suburban life.

Do you remember the water buffalo at the end of our street? Or the deep-sea diver we found near the underpass? Do you know why dogs bark in the middle of the night?

Shaun Tan, reveals the quiet mysteries of everyday life: homemade pets, dangerous weddings, stranded sea mammals, tiny exchange students and secret rooms filled with darkness and delight.

Animalia by Graeme Base RRP $19.25

Animalia is a book like no other. Abounding with fanciful, gorgeously detailed art, it is an alphabet book, a guessing game, and a virtual feast for the eyes. Each page features one letter and images related to that letter — as well as a hidden picture of Graeme Base as a child Animalia will entrance any child or adult who enters its fantastical world.

The Forever Horse, by Stacy Gregg RRP $12.90

Maisie has always loved horses. She is also a talented artist. When the opportunity arises for her to study in Paris, her two worlds collide. There, in the heart of the city, Maisie finds the childhood diary of famous horse artist, Rose Bonifait, and meets the beautiful black stallion, Claude.

As the two girls’ stories emerge, tragedies unfold – both past and present – and Maisie realises that she can’t begin to imagine life without her forever horse…

The Listies’ Teleportaloo, by Richard Higgins, Matt Kelly, The Listies RRP $13.75

A STUPIDLY FUNNY adventure from Australia’s favourite BFFs.

Rich and Matt love their nan. Unfortunately their nan has an evil NANASIS. And by the time Rich and Matt discover that their Nan ALSO has a TELEPORTING PORTALOO in the backyard it’s too late. They’re already hurtling through the interdimensional plumbing of time and space on a mission to stop the world from going down the toilet, literally!

THE NANASIS has gone crazy and WANTS HER STUFF BACK or the world is doomed. Can the Listies pay attention long enough to save it?

Pax, Journey Home, by Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen (Illustrator) RRP $17.50

From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes the long-awaited sequel to Pax; gorgeously crafted, utterly compelling with stunning illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Jon Klassen. It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives. Pax must protect his litter of kits in a dangerous world. Meanwhile Peter, orphaned after the war, has left his adopted home and joined the Water Warriors, a group determined to heal the land from the scars of the war.

Shadowghast
An Eerie-on-Sea Mystery, by Thomas Taylor RRP $15.95

On the eve of Ghastly Night, a hypnotic stage magician, Caliastra, checks in to Eerie-on-Sea’s Grand Nautilus Hotel. She’s arrived with her entourage to put on a show – and she claims to be related to Herbert Lemon. Caliastra’s act is so shadowy and strange that Herbie’s friend Violet wonders if dark forces are at work, but Herbie won’t hear a word said against his new relation. Meanwhile, folk are disappearing from the town, and no one knows why. There is an Eerie legend that goes back to the dawn of time, about a creature made of darkness that devours the shadows of the living. Could the Shadowghast have really returned?

Chris Humfrey’s Awesome Australian Animals, by Chris Humfreys RRP $28.90

Did you know that Koalas poo more than 200 times per day? – that’s more than once every 10 minutes! This is just one of the hundreds of fascinating animal facts that are packed into this brilliant new book by TV zoologist Chris Humfrey.

Chris Humfrey’s Wild Australia covers 15 amazing Australian animals, from koalas and kookaburras to pythons and dragons. Each species gets two spreads in the book which are peppered with incredible facts and stunning photos.

The book has QR codes which link to bonus content such as short videos.

The Glint of Gold, by Kate McGann, Patricia Ward (Illustrator), RRP $14.90

A beautifully illustrated book that has a number of positive messages to help younger people grow with a positive mindset and outlook on life.

It’s there every day if you look for it. The glint of gold. It’s in the white blossom of our plum tree against a blue sky. Or the sparkles Jack Frost leaves on the drive to school…

A heart-warming story to inspire awareness, gratitude and positive thinking.

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, by John Boyne RRP $16.75

A story of innocence existing within the most terrible evil, this is the fictional tale of two young boys caught up in events entirely beyond their control.

Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life, by DK RRP $30.95

Travel through time from the beginning of life on Earth and marvel at more than 90 amazing plants and animals along the way with this stunning book about dinosaurs and prehistoric life.

From Tyrannosaurus and sabre-toothed cats, to ferns and woolly mammoths, every page will captivate young readers as they travel through the history of the Earth.

My Place
20th Anniversary Edition, by Nadia Wheatley, Donna Rawlins (Illustrator) RRP $18.95

Discover, or rediscover, a ‘time machine’ which takes the reader back into the past. It depicts the history of one particular piece of land in Sydney from 1788 to 1988 through the stories of the various children who have lived there.

Features new artwork; revised text; and a letter to My Place readers celebrating the 20th anniversary.
New timeline traces the history of the characters in the book as well as the history of Australia, and is right up to date with reference to Australia’s apology to Indigenous Australians.

Bumageddon
The Final Pongflict, by Andy Griffiths RRP $11.90

Zack Freeman and his bum thought their world-saving days were over – that is, until they are attacked by an army of Great White Bumosaurs from 65 million years ago!

Along with some old friends, they must travel back in time to save the world – again – from the pongflict to end all pongflicts : Bumageddon!

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli RRP $20.25

In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

She’s as magical as the desert sky. As strange as her pet rat. As mysterious as her own name. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students are enchanted. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different. And Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her normal.

Tikki Tikki Tembo, by Arlene Mosel (Retold by), Blair Lent (Illustrator) RRP $13.75

Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent’s classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo -no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.

101 Great Science Experiments, by Dorling Kindersley RRP $16.75

Make science fun with 101 amazing step-by-step science experiments for kids that are safe and easy to do at home

Be the next Albert Einstein with these cool science experiments for kids and discover how to bend light, weigh air and even make a rainbow! 101 Great Science Experiments is bursting with fun experiments for you to try out at home revealing the secrets of science through practical and exciting projects. Find out how to use everyday objects to discover the principles of science.

With 101 science experiments for kids inside covering topics such as colour, magnets, senses, electricity and much more you’ll be discovering the laws of science before your eyes. See sound, build a buzzer and even make an underwater volcano! Each science project is explained simply and clearly plus specially commissioned photography shows how each project should look making the experiments clear and easy-to-follow for kids.

Detention, by Tristan Bancks RRP $15.25

A daring escape. A school lockdown. A thrilling chase. What would you risk to save a life?

Sima and her family are pressed to the rough, cold ground among fifty others. They lie next to the tall fence designed to keep them in. The wires are cut one by one.

When they make their escape, a guard raises the alarm. Shouting, smoke bombs, people tackled to the ground. In the chaos Sima loses her parents.

Dad told her to run, so she does, hiding in a school and triggering a lockdown. A boy, Dan, finds her hiding in the toilet block.

What should he do? Help her? Dob her in? She’s breaking the law, but is it right to lock kids up? And if he helps, should Sima trust him? Or run?

Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome RRP $14.50

The Walker children – also known as Captain John, Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty, and Ship’s Boy Roger – set sail on the Swallow and head for Wild Cat Island. There they camp under open skies, swim in clear water and go fishing for their dinner. But their days are disturbed by the Blackett sisters, the fierce Amazon pirates. The Swallows And Amazons decide to battle it out, and so begins a summer of unforgettable discoveries and incredible adventures.