Too old for picture books but not yet at the sophistication of Young Adult novels, these are engaging stories for younger readers that are often in a popular series.Once they have read one, they’ll want to read the rest!
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NAT AMOORE- We run Tomorrow
Recorded at Storyfest 2023
FELICE ARENA - The Boy and the Spy
Recorded at Somerset Storyfest 2019
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TRISTAN BANCKS- My Life & other Exploding chickens
My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up
Girls are so scary when you are at primary school, but sometimes you have to do deals as Tristan’s pint sized protagonist finds out.
My Life and other Exploding Chickens
Another hilarious instalment from this series in which our hero learns that homework can be farmed out - but it has to be paid for!
My Life and other Weaponised Muffins
Tom plans to be good for a whole day - after all, how hard can it be? TRISTAN BANCKS- BANCKS' GINGER MEGGS
TRISTAN BANCKS- Nit Boy
The ever popular Nit Boy returns in one combined book in this reissue of the two Nit Boy tales. Definitely one for the kids but adults will laugh ruefully in recognition of this endless fight against an ancient accompaniment to human life - the Nit! With funny illustrations by Heath McKenzie.
Recorded 2020 at Studio 3
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ADAM CECE- Extremely Weird Thing that happened in Huggabie Falls
Weird things are always happening in Huggabie Falls - it's a place where magic is part of everyday life. So this must be something really unusual!
Recorded at Storyfest 2022
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NICK FALK &TONY FLOWERS- How to Stop an Alien Invasion Using Shakespeare
Tony Flowers does all the funny pictures for Nick Falk's books but he also does a great job of funny voices as well in this read from their book. I've included one of Tony's illustrations from the book which make it very enjoyable for young readers.
Recorded at the Byron Writers Festival 2019
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MORRIS GLEITZMAN - Help Around the House
Ludo's dad has been elected to parliament and now Ludo is on his first ever plane ride all by himself. He thinks he should share the benefits, and tries to to giveaway his business class seat - much to the the disapproval of the flight attendant!
Recorded at Bellingen Writers Festival 2019
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Tim Harris – ‘Mr. Bambuckles Remarkables Fight Back’
Overnight the world has been turned upside down as a typographical error makes the age of 18 now 8 - so kids can drive and go to work!
Recorded at Somerset Literature Festival 2018
JACQUELINE HARVEY - Willa and Wolf - Mimi is Missing
Jacqueline Harvey has written over 50 books for children including the series of ‘Willa and Wolf’ novels in which Willa and her faithful hound Wolf solve mysteries in their town.
Recorded at Storyfest 2023
PETER HELLIAR- Frankie Fish and the Sonic Suitcase
Peter Helliar's book is a pretty big read for this age group but according to him they just race through it - probably because Peter is a stand-up comedian and it's a pretty funny. This is a short read from him though!
Recorded at the Byron writers Festival 2017
PAULINE HOSKING - Cinnamon Stevens Crime Buster
Cinnamon Stevens is a 12 year old sleuth who solves crimes in and around Melbourne.
Her first investigation, Crime Buster, starts on Phillip Island.
CINNAMON STEVENS – GHOST LIGHT Ghost light is the second book in this series. Cinnamon and her classmates have travelled to Walhalla, the old gold mining town in Gippsland.
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BELINDA MURRELL - The Golden Tower
Belinda Murrell writes lovely fantasy stories with strong female characters .In 'The Golden Tower' , Sophie believes herself weak and untalented and discovers just how clever and brave she can be under pressure. Belinda uses her love of travel to infuse her stories with beautifully observed local food and customs- I am sure her three children love researching her books with her!
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LISA NICOL - The What on Earth Institute of Wonder
This is a fun book for all genders, budding conservationists and even end of the world 'preppers'! Sal's best friend is a Kakapo, her little brother is well prepared for the end of the world and her best mate loves Nina Simone. So let's just throw in the mysterious appearance in town of an elephant, and a very nasty postmaster!
The What on Earth Institute of Wonder
And here is a read from Lisa from her previous book!
Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth
SORAYA NICHOLS – Starlight Stables
A great combination for young girls who love horses, and detective stories. A group of pony riding friends solve a mystery.
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LOUISE PARK - Grace's Escape
After meeting with a mysterious fortune teller at the fair, Grace and her friends barely escape from an icy death skating on the pond.
Recorded at Storyfest 2022
Chrissie Perry –' Penelope Perfect : Project Best Friend'
Penelope loves her phone which she bought with half her own money and half from her dad who wanted to keep in touch with her now that he has a new family.. Everything in her life is just wonderful but Penelope plots how to make her life absolutely perfect by acquiring a new best friend.
Recorded at Somerset Literature Festival 2018
CASPER PIETERS- The Mauled Mage
Casper Pieters has written a series of books to help young people navigate the internet and social media safely. The Mauled Mage follows the Bindi and Beam gang as they face online cruelty in the World of Warcraft metaverse. They confront a cyberbully lurking behind a dark mage and a menacing troll. Through these challenges, they discover the power of bystanders and learn vital lessons in empathy, teamwork, and courage..
Recorded at Studio 3 Bangalow 2024
DAMEAN POSSNER – Helix and the Arrival
If you think it’s hard living with your family, what was it like for a teenager in the Stone Age?
Helix needs to prove himself in his father’s eyes, but he just not the hunting type!
LUKE PROUDFOOT – Shaka Shaka Hawaii
A group of Australian animal mates who love to surf! Comedy for grommets ! And Luke even has music on his website to go with the book.
Click here to go to his music site: http://theproudfoots.com.au/music-downloads-mp3/ R
SOLLI RAPHAEL - 29 Things You Didn't Know About Me
When you are younger the process of making friends can be a bit of mystery. How do you tell someone about yourself? Solli Raphael uses prose and rhyme and funny pictures to make this process seem fun.
Recorded at Byron Writers Festival 2023
RICHARD ROXBURGH - Artie and the Grime Wave
Richard Roxburgh loved reading to his two boys so much he decided to get in on the fun and write his own children's book! Being an actor, he can't resist reading all the characters in funny voices!
Recorded at Byron Writers Festival 2017
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MATT STANTON - Bored - Milo finds $105
Milo finds some money on the ground. But who does it belong to? He wants to keep it, but is that the right thing to do?
Recorded at Storyfest 2022
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LIAN TANNER- 'Accidental Heroes: The Rogues'
Lian reads wonderfully from this book which is part of a series of fantasy novels for younger readers. The mysterious Lord Rump and his granddaughter Duckling are in big trouble.
Recorded at Byron Writers Festival 2018
JOL TEMPLE - Capt. Jimmy Cook Discovers Third Grade
Jimmy thinks boys don't keep diaries- they keep logs! At least he comes to this conclusion after learning of his famous seafaring ancestor.
Recorded at Sydney Writers Festival 2016
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SUE WHITING - Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast
Not many little girls have a pig as a best friend - and also belong to a secret magic society dedicated to protecting the world. Pearly finds she has to step up and break the rules to get out of a sticky situation.
Recorded at Storyfest 2022
SEAN WILLIAMS - Her Perilous Mansion
A creepy gothic mansion where nothing is quite what it seems. Mysterious tenants appear and disappear, and just how enormous is the old house? A wonderful tale of the imagination for young readers.
Recorded at Storyfest 2022