Book picks similar to
The Best Kept Secret by Emily Rodda
childrens
fantasy
children
australian
The Fox and the Star
Coralie Bickford-Smith - 2015
Illuminated by Star’s rays, Fox forages for food, runs with the rabbits, and dances in the rain—until Star suddenly goes out and life changes, leaving Fox huddling for warmth in the unfamiliar dark. To find his missing Star, Fox must embark on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows—a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and just maybe, a star-filled new sky. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the art of William Blake, The Fox and the Star is a heartwarming, hopeful tale which comes alive through Bickford-Smith’s beloved illustrations, guiding readers both young and grown to “look up beyond your ears.”
The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend - 2017
Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.
The Aviary
Kathleen O'Dell - 2011
Clara has never known another home. In fact, she's confined to the grand estate due to a mysterious heart condition. But it's a comfortable life, and if it weren't for the creepy squawking birds in the aviary out back, a completely peaceful one too. But once old Mrs. Glendoveer passes away, Clara comes to learn many dark secrets about the family. The Glendoveers suffered a horrific tragedy: their children were kidnapped, then drowned. And their father George Glendoveer, a famous magician and illusionist, stood accused until his death. As Clara digs deeper and deeper into the terrifying events, the five birds in the aviary seem to be trying to tell her something. And Clara comes to wonder: what is their true identity? Clara sets out to solve a decades-old murder mystery—and in doing so, unlocks a secret in her own life, too. Kathleen O'Dell deftly weaves magic, secret identities, evil villians, unlikely heroes, and the wonder of friendship into a mystery adventure with all the charm of an old fashioned classic.
The Happy Prince
Oscar Wilde - 1888
Now shimmering illustrations, as bejeweled and golden as the Prince himself, give glowing life to the many dimensions of his tale. His story of friendship, love, and a willingness to part with one's own riches may be more important today than ever before. Full color.
Pookie and Tushka find a little piano
Jorge - 2003
Meet Pookie and Tushka, winner of the "BEST NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR" award!A frozen little piano arrives to the shores of the Icelands, bringing Pookie the penguin and Tushka the polar bear fun, excitement, and a heartwarming lesson about the essence of friendship.Includes educational facts about Penguins, Polar Bears, and the Polar Regions.
The King's Stilts
Dr. Seuss - 1939
Seuss's classic treatise on the importance of a balanced life with our Anniversary Edition featuring cover art from the book's original publication! A Seussian spin on a conventional fairy tale, The King's Stilts is as topical today as when it was first published in 1939. It's the story of a devoted king who works hard and plays hard—and whose entire kingdom is threatened when his beloved stilts are stolen and he is too distraught to do his job.Written in prose instead of rhyme (unlike Seuss's later works), The King's Stilts nevertheless addresses subjects that we know Dr. Seuss was passionate about throughout his life: duty (as in Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg); the abuse of power (as in The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins and Yertle the Turtle); deceit (as in The Bippolo Seed and How the Grinch Stole Christmas)—and even cats (as in The Cat in the Hat and I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today)! A perfect way to introduce new readers to an old classic, or to reward existing fans with a collectible new edition. Follow the Good Doctor's advice: After a hard day of work, have fun with a great book like The King's Stilts!
Charlie the Choo-Choo
Beryl Evans - 2016
From celebrated author Beryl Evans and illustrator Ned Dameron comes a story about friendship, loyalty, and hard work.Beryl Evans is the pseudonym adopted by Stephen King for this picture book, 'Charlie the Choo-Choo'.
Princess Diadora: Just an Ordinary Ballerina
Eddie Bee - 2013
She is a regular young girl that any kid would be able to relate to. This children's book is the second book in the Princess Diadora series. In this book, the princess who loves learning ballet must deal with her mother's decision for her to take privileged ballet lessons. Look out for more books from this continuing series.
All My Friends Are Dead
Avery Monsen - 2010
In other words, perfect."
- The Huffington PostAn amusing and captivating tale that's a delightful primer for laughing at the inevitable: If you're a dinosaur, all of your friends are dead. If you're a pirate, all of your friends have scurvy. If you're a tree, all of your friends are end tables. Each page of this laugh-out-loud, illustrated humor book showcases the downside of being everything from a clown to a cassette tape to a zombie. Cute and dark all at once, this hilarious children's book for adults teaches valuable lessons about life.From the sock whose only friends have gone missing to the houseplant whose friends are being slowly killed by irresponsible plant owners (like you), All My Friends Are Dead presents hilariously entertaining stories about life and existential predicaments.The simple yet effective imagery, the personification of inanimate objects, and short, hilarious quips come together to create an amusing adventure through each character's unique grievance and wide-eyed dilemmas.Written by Avery Monsen, an actor, artist, and writer and Jory John, a writer, editor, and journalist. They are friends, and neither is dead. Yet.All My Friends Are Dead is both the saddest funny book and the funniest sad book you'll ever read.Children's book written for adults Displayed in an accessible cartoon form
Ordinary Magic
Caitlen Rubino-Bradway - 2012
So when Abby learns that she has zero magical abilities, she’s branded an “Ord”—ordinary, bad luck, and quite possibly a danger to society.The outlook for kids like Abby isn’t bright. Many are cast out by their families, while others are sold to treasure hunters (ordinary kids are impervious to spells and enchantments). Luckily for Abby, her family enrolls her in a school that teaches ordinary kids how to get around in a magical world. But with treasure-hunting kidnappers and carnivorous goblins lurking around every corner, Abby’s biggest problem may not be learning how to be ordinary—it’s whether or not she’s going to survive the school year!
Cogheart
Peter Bunzl - 2016
Her father is missing and now silver-eyed men stalk her through the shadows. What could they want from her?With her friends—Robert, the clockmaker’s son, and Malkin, her mechanical fox—Lily is plunged into a murky and menacing world. Too soon Lily realizes that those she holds dear may be the very ones to break her heart...Murder, mayhem and mystery meet in this gripping Victorian adventure.
Possum Magic
Mem Fox - 1983
But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.”--Children’s Book Review Service
Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff (Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too Book 2)
Stacy C Bauer - 2019
She collects them, sorts them and builds with them. There's only one problem: her room is so messy that it's nearly impossible for her to find things! Will she ever be able to figure out how to be more organized? In this funny and relatable new release from author Stacy C. Bauer, Cami tries to find a way to keep her treasures from taking over her room! The best book for teaching your kids about minimalism. It’s only natural that children will have a harder time finding the value in minimalism at their age. Their classmates are discussing the latest fads, which change every couple of weeks, leading to mountains of unused toys. Younger children will have a materialistic idea of what’s valuable to them, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In Too Much Stuff, children can easily relate to Cami Kangaroo, as she struggles to contain all of her things. They’ll start to learn the benefits of minimalism and gain valuable life skills. Marie Kondo for kids! Searching for a book that encourages children to clean their rooms and stay organized? Look no further! Author Stacy C Bauer was inspired by Marie Kondo (The life-changing magic of tidying up), Elaine N. Aron (The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You), and Melissa Michaels (Simple Organizing). Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff provides parents with advice and tips to help guide their children as they declutter their space and find peace in their surroundings. This best selling book is Ideal for children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. It is the second in a series of books that reflect gentle parenting and nurture universal values that inspire and empower kids. Too Much Stuff is a thoughtful gift for baby showers and birthdays. Perfect for toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, first grade and second grade, Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff will compliment books from authors like Jay Miletsky (Ricky the Rock that Couldn’t Roll), Diane Alber (I’m NOT Just a Scribble), Laurie Wright (I can do it- Mindful Mantras) and Deborah Diesen (The Pout-Pout Fish). Praise for Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff!: "Marie Kondo for kids! Every child struggles with organization at some point in their young lives. The earlier we can teach them how to stay organized, the more clear their lives will become. Clarity in the mind is directly related to clarity in life. Get this book to help develop this in your child!" -Mary, author and mother "My kids love both of the Cami Kangaroo stories (we're hoping there will be more). Having too much stuff is something many kids deal it, so this is very relatable. And Cami, as always, figures out a good solution. I love the helpful tips at the end, too! Don't forget to read through those with your kids - it's never too early to teach tidying skills." -Julia M, author and mother Praise for Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets! (book 1): "Cami is fun, adorable and crafty, a very relatable character." -Crystal, mother and teacher "A sweet little book for sweets lovers everywhere!" -Angela Halgrimson, author and mother "My kids love th
What The Fox Learnt: Four Fables from Aesop
Aesop - 2011
These are short stories that are fun and easy to read. Each story is summarized with a moral that you might have even heard of.
How Andrew Got His Spots
Louise Lintvelt - 2014
He does not have any spots, you see! He keeps seeing spots wherever he goes… One spot, two spots, three spots, Four! And many, many, many more. “Where did you get your spots?” he asks. Join Andrew as he discovers how the ladybug, the leopard and the owl came to have spots and discovers that spots often appear when you are least expecting them! This is a wonderful rhyming picture book for children of all ages.