Junior Book Club – This Month’s Reads
Friday, 4 July 2025 Books+Publishing @booksandpublishing
Searching for your next great read to share with kids? Our Junior Book Club highlights 10 new titles each month that are perfect for classrooms, libraries and family reading time. From fun and imaginative adventures to books that spark curiosity and conversation, these are the latest releases worth adding to your shelves and sharing with young readers of all ages.
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Beyond the Shore Kirli Saunders, illus Mark Chester Harding Scholastic ISBN 9781761524646 RRP $26.99 Age: 3+ Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘From multi-award-winning First Nations storyteller Kirli Saunders (OAM) and debut picture book illustrator Mark Chester Harding comes this gently encouraging story about bravery and curiosity, and the bounty of beauty they can lead to. Kirli’s tender, lyrical language, with Mark’s evocative, halcyon illustrations gently guide children past the safety of the shore and towards the possibilities of what lies ahead.’ – Sharon Turner, communications and publicity manager, Scholastic | |
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Drift Pip Harry Lothian ISBN 9780734423900 RRP $17.99 Age: 12+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘A beautifully written verse novel that will resonate with younger teen readers who are beginning to understand themselves and the changing world they live in. Fourteen-year-old Nate has just moved back to Australia and is finding it hard to navigate a new city, school and changed home life. His next-door neighbour, Luna, is dealing with her own issues: a viral video, friends who have dropped her, and a subsequent anxiety disorder. When a swarm of 20,000 bees unexpectedly settle in the walls of Nate’s family’s house, Nate and Luna come together to save the hive, befriending local beekeeper Tyler. Over the course of one summer, their loyalties will be tested and their lives will be forever changed.’ – Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children’s publishing, Hachette | |
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The Frog’s First Song Jazz Money, illus Jason Phu UQP ISBN 9780702268977 RRP $24.99 Age: 3–7 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Rooted in deep storytelling traditions of First Nations Creation stories and Chinese parables, The Frog’s First Song is a rich sensory journey brought to life through fun and lyrical language and vibrant art that young readers will love. It provides the opportunity to explore the themes of culture, community, belonging, friendship, joy, song, dance and oral storytelling traditions.’ – Chloe Mills, publicist, and Cathy Vallance, publisher, UQP | |
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My Nature Book with Olaf Breuning Kate Ryan and Elisa Scarton NGV ISBN 9781922398178 RRP $19.95 Age: 0–5 |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Young readers will be engaged by this imaginative exploration of nature with artist Olaf Breuning. As they journey through the forest, they will discover new vocabulary, develop language skills, and begin learning about art and the natural world through play and interaction.‘ – Kate Ryan, curator of children’s programs, NGV | |
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Of Flame and Fury Mikayla Bridge Tor Australia ISBN 9781761563805 RRP $26.99 Age: 12+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Thrilling phoenix racing action meets high stakes conspiracy, volatile magic and political scheming that threatens everything; this book offers a fast-paced, heart-racing adventure filled with incredible action scenes and engaging plot twists. Phoenix racing, hotter than F1 and deadlier than dragons, makes this debut perfect for fantasy and adventure fans alike. Can you handle the heat?’ – Lily Cameron, marketing executive, Pan Macmillan | |
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Peculiar Parents Stephanie Owen Reeder, illus Ingrid Bartkowiak NLA Publishing ISBN 9781922507822 RRP $29.99 Age: 7–12 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Peculiar Parents explores all there is to know about Australian animals and their wacky families. You’ll meet parrots that play the drums and cuttlefish that can change colour, as well as dancing spiders, travelling turtles, kissing lizards, plonking pobblebonks and many more amazing Aussie animals. It’s a fun and delightful read for all those curious young readers eager to explore the unique and fascinating wildlife of Australia – from the cute and cuddly to the downright ugly.’ – Madeleine Warburton, senior administration officer, NLA Publishing | |
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Rakali of the Riverbank Stephanie Owen Reeder, illus Rachel Gregg CSIRO Publishing ISBN 9781486317547 RRP $26.99 Age: 5–9 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Curious kids will enjoy following the plucky, charismatic Rakali on his night-time patrol of his riverbank home, dodging threats and hunting for his dinner. Stephanie Owen Reeder’s engaging and descriptive text is accompanied by beautiful illustrations from Rachel Gregg that bring Rakali’s world to life. Plus, a glossary and information pages at the end of the book allow older readers to learn more about this native Australian water rat.’ – Amelia Rockliff, marketing and communications coordinator, CSIRO Publishing | |
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The Silken Thread Gabrielle Wang Penguin ISBN 9781761350740 RRP $17.99 Age: 8+ Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘A magical, passionate story of friendship for middle-grade readers about a Chinese-Australian girl living in Depression-era Melbourne and a peasant boy in rural China, with themes of family, friendship, loss, diversity, discrimination, pursuing dreams and resilience. Inspired by Gabrielle’s parents’ story.‘ – Rebecca Bluff, marketing and publicity coordinator, PRH | |
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Sonny & Tess Nova Weetman UQP ISBN 9780702268427 RRP $24.99 Age: 11+ Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Nova Weetman is the Queen of Tweens, and her charming and cosy new middle grade novel Sonny & Tess reaffirms her position in the kidlit sphere. On the surface, it’s a coming-of-age story of first jobs, first crushes and first kisses. Sonny & Tess exemplifies Nova’s trademark depth: with a lightness of touch, she explores family dynamics and parental expectations; discovering new feelings in your teen years; and how friendships change as you grow older. Readers from 11–14 will closely relate to the characters trying to figure out how to be a young teen, discovering their first crushes, and getting their first jobs, all while navigating their home lives. And it’s all wrapped up in a rom-com! Young readers will gobble this up.’ – Sarah Valle, publicist, UQP | |
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Surprise Shark Sarah Lane, illus Patrick Corrigan Affirm ISBN 9781922992826 RRP $22.99 Age: 3–7 |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘This picture book is a quirky, wonderful read-aloud with themes of making friends, fitting in and being true to yourself gently woven into a very funny and entertaining story. The simple and repetitive structure makes this perfect for very young children.’ – Ariane Ryan, publicist, Affirm | |
Category: Book Club
