Junior Book Club – this month’s reads
Friday, 1 August 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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Cock-a-Doodle-Doo! Pamela Allen Puffin ISBN 9781761354908 RRP $24.99 Age: 3+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Filled with drama, mischief and fun, comes another classic adventure for the very young, from icon of children’s literature, Pamela Allen, created in her 90th year. A perfect read aloud for storytime!’ – Jessica De Caria, children’s marketing executive, PRH | |
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Crunch! Kaboom! Conor Mills & Clodagh Starr, illus Alison Mutton Fremantle ISBN 9781760995102 RRP $24.99 Age: 3+ Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Big machinery, big bold landscapes and big noises. Designed particularly for families who know what it is like to live the Fly in Fly out lifestyle, this book provides a fun and engaging experience for the whole family to enjoy together.’ – Alex Allan, CEO, Fremantle Press | |
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Dexter Procter the 10-Year-Old Doctor Adam Kay, illus Henry Paker Puffin ISBN 9780241668610 RRP $16.99 Age: 10+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘A great pick for science enthusiasts, join Dexter Procter, the world’s youngest doctor, in his laugh out loud adventures at Lilydale General Hospital! Young readers will love the surprising – and often gross – real facts.’ – Rebecca Diep, head of children’s campaigns, PRH | |
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Mango and Hopscotch Sophie Cunningham, illus Anil Tortop A&U ISBN 9781761181122 RRP $19.99 Age: 3–6 |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Young readers will love Mango and Hopscotch for its heartwarming true story, gentle humour and lush illustrations. With loveable animal characters and an inspiring tale of resilience and rescue, it offers a meaningful way to explore nature, extreme weather, and kindness, perfect for sparking curiosity and compassion in young minds.’ – Reem Galal, children’s and YA publicist, A&U | |
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Ngurra Home Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler, illus Dub Leffler Magabala ISBN 9781922777966 RRP $17.99 Age: 10–18 |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Young readers have been privileged to follow Mia as she grows up and navigates the challenges of family, identity, cultural expectations and a deeply personal journey of self-discovery about the worlds she walks in. Respected powerhouse authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler gift the world timeless truths embodying First Nations cultures, languages and perspectives. This insight is generous, powerful and life changing. Award-winning illustrator Dub Leffler’s black and white images echo ancient landscapes that bring a depth and beauty to the storytelling. First Nations titles such as the Black Cockatoo series are a way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to see themselves positively represented and to see their everyday; an element missing from our national storytelling. Books of this literary quality and cultural significance, reassure educators, parents and readers of all ages that these stories are worth celebrating.’ – Rachel Bin Salleh, publisher, Magabala | |
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The Set-Up Girl Sasha Vey A&U ISBN 9781761181542 RRP $19.99 Age: 12–18 |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘What’s not to like about a wildly entertaining romcom about a diverse group of teens exploring their sexuality and their attraction to each other with genuinely funny misunderstandings and unexpected twists? Sasha Vey’s The Set-Up Girl is going to be the must-read novel in YA circles in the coming months and expect much discussion and laughter to follow.’ – Carolyn Walsh, education marketing manager, A&U | |
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The Style Secrets of Gareth McGreen Kelly Brodie-Brown, illus Natasha Carty Scholastic ISBN 9781761527043 RRP $26.99 Age: 3+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘The Style Secrets of Gareth McGreen is the delightfully whimsical debut book by Kelly Brodie-Brown, brought to life by Natasha Carty’s gorgeous illustrations. Famous fashion designer Gareth McGreen can create the perfect look for anyone – fabulous suits for dapper newts! Snazzy shoes for chic cockatoos! But when a shy young possum visits, Gareth has to rethink his approach to discover a perfect new style that fits. Readers will love the kind, heartwarming message celebrating self-expression and acceptance, and will be inspired to start imagining wild and wondrous designs of their own.’ – Tiff Malins, publisher, Scholastic | |
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Tiny Dancer Patrick Guest, illus Mateja Jager Dirt Lane Press ISBN 9781923044364 RRP $27.95 Age: 4+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Children will be drawn to Tiny Dancer for its gentle storytelling, rich illustrations and uplifting message about living in the moment. Using the brief life of a mayfly as a starting point, the story encourages curiosity, mindfulness and an appreciation for life’s small wonders – ideas that can spark meaningful classroom discussions about time, gratitude and making each day count. Patrick Guest’s poetic narrative paired with Mateja Jager’s vibrant artwork makes this a valuable and engaging read-aloud for early primary years.’ – Isabelle Quilty, publicist, Dirt Lane Press | |
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The Wicked Ship (Oceanforged #1) Amelia Mellor Affirm ISBN 9781922992390 RRP $16.99 Age: 8–11 |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘Even the most reluctant readers will be hooked by the first book in the Oceanforged series because it’s fast, fun and full of surprises that make reading feel like an adventure, not a chore.’ – Tash Besliev, children’s publishing director, Simon & Schuster Australia and Affirm Press | |
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You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast Andy Griffiths, illus Bill Hope Macmillan ISBN 9781761269004 RRP $16.99 Age: 6+ |
| Why young readers will love it: ‘It’s the latest, greatest, laugh-out-loud, fully illustrated, action-packed adventure about a really deep hole, or two (actually, there are four – there’s a lot of falling) and the legendary Peanut Butter Beast from the bestselling creator of the Treehouse series. This totally absurd story is perfect for fans of funny books, reluctant readers and all kids aged 6 to 12.’ – Claire Craig, children’s publisher, Macmillan | |
Category: Book Club
