Junior Book Club – this month’s reads
Friday, 3 July 2026 Books+Publishing @booksandpublishing
Our Junior Book Club highlights 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 recommending for young readers of all ages.
 |
Animal Force Cerise Madsen, illustrated by Sally Heinrich MidnightSun Publishing ISBN: 9781922858740 RRP: $17.99 Age: 6 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “In Animal Force, Cerise Madsen has brought to life the power of nature and the bonds of family ties. Twin wildlife heroes, Leo and Kelly, show young readers the importance of working together and standing up against bullies, all while learning more about themselves and their strong connection to the Australian environment around them. Madsen has created a fun and magical wildlife adventure perfect for any young nature-lover, and Sally Heinrich’s illustrations beautifully capture the biodiversity of our amazing Australian ecosystem. For children who have dreamed of bonding with their favourite Aussie animal, Animal Force makes this concept more of a reality.” – Katie Stedman, intern, MidnightSun Publishing | |
 |
Don’t Forget to Smile Ariane Beeston Black Inc. ISBN: 9781760645670 RRP: $19.99 Age: 12 to 15 |
| Why young readers will love it: “Don’t Forget to Smile – a debut novel that has been described as ‘a tutu-clad godsend’ – will be a must-read for dance-obsessed teens, with crossover appeal for adult readers. Who doesn’t love a dance drama? The protagonists will steal the hearts of book club readers, and there are plenty of themes to discuss, such as ballet’s conservatism regarding gender, body image issues, exploitation and more. This is Ariane Beeston’s love letter to ballet, which pulls no punches when it comes to its dark side.” – Sophy Williams, publisher, Black Inc. | |
 |
Hunt for the Nighthawks Felice Arena Penguin ISBN: 9781761355653 RRP: $17.99 Age: 8 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “Indiana Jones meets Stranger Things in this action-packed mystery filled with adventure, history and ghosts! Inspired by a real archaeological discovery made whilst visiting a friend in Cambridge, this book is perfect for all readers who love relatable and curious characters and are also fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire!” – Jess Pearson, marketing executive, Penguin Random House Australia | |
 |
Joey and the Junjardy Allison Rocca, illustrated by Brenton E McKenna University of Queensland Publishing ISBN: 9780702271137 RRP: $17.99 Age: 9 and over Teacher resources |
| Why young readers will love it: “Joey and the Junjardy is a funny and heart-filled book grounded in First Nations storytelling. Joey loves art and is determined to make a fresh start at his new school after the ‘Big Trouble’ he caused at his last one. But when a hairy little trickster known as a Junjardy turns up, Joey can’t resist making mischief again with his secret partner in crime. This is a book that will keep young readers turning the pages and laughing out loud while encouraging them to think about what it means to belong, be true to yourself and lean into the strength of family and culture.” – Jean Smith, marketing and publicity manager, University of Queensland Publishing | |
 |
Nowhere House Adrian Beck Scholastic Australia ISBN: 9781761720956 RRP: $15.99 Age: 10 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “This fast-paced action thriller is perfect for middle-grade readers needing pace and intrigue to keep them turning the pages. Adrian Beck has created a highly relatable voice in the character of Nate, whose life is upended when his parents decide to move the family to a creepy house in the middle of nowhere. As Nate uncovers the house’s mysteries, he realises that he and his sister might be in more danger than they ever imagined. Because kids in this house … disappear. For fans of Tristan Bancks, Jack Heath and the ‘Goosebumps’ series. ” – Laura Sieveking, publisher, Scholastic Australia | |
 |
One Word Melissa-Jane Fogarty Lothian Children’s Books ISBN: 9780734423337 RRP: $24.99 Age: 5 to 7 |
| Why young readers will love it: “Inspired by the author’s own experiences, One Word is a poignant and moving First Nations story about reclaiming language and the enduring power of love, told through the eyes of a little girl on a quest to learn her grandfather’s hidden first language. Young readers will love this tenderly illustrated and personal picture book, which is also a call to action to reclaim lost Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.” – Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children’s publishing, Hachette Australia | |
 |
Poppy Makes Pockets Jemima Parker, illustrated by Karen Erasmus EK Books ISBN: 9781921497131 RRP: $24.99 Age: 4 to 8 |
| Why young readers will love it: “People can accept the world as it is or creatively set out to change it for the better! We love how Poppy Makes Pockets puts the power in children’s hands and tackles sustainability in a fun and upbeat way. It’s an ideal choice for school book clubs and classrooms, with themes children will want to revisit again and again.” – Nathan Thomas, publisher, EK Books | |
 |
Racing Puffing Billy Corinne Fenton, illustrated by Mark Wilson Windy Hollow Books ISBN:9781922998279 RRP: $29.99 Age: 3 to 8 |
| Why young readers will love it: “Inspired by the remarkable true story of Jerry, the dog who became a local legend by racing alongside Puffing Billy, Racing Puffing Billy is a heartwarming celebration of friendship, loyalty and perseverance. Young readers will be captivated by Jerry’s adventurous spirit, while Mark Wilson’s illustrations beautifully capture the magic of the Dandenong Ranges and bring this much-loved Australian story to life. Its rich Australian setting and real-life inspiration also make it a wonderful book to share in the classroom.” – Cristina Pase, managing editor, Windy Hollow Books | |
 |
Shakespeare in the Orchard Danielle Binks Lothian Children’s Books ISBN: 9780734421920 RRP: $17.99 Age: 8 to 12 |
| Why young readers will love it: “Langwarrin, Mornington Peninsula, 1914. The whole world is at war. When a group of ‘enemy aliens’ are sent to the military base at Langwarrin and put to work around the town, including at 14-year-old Jack Thorning’s family orchard, Jack must reckon with his hatred for and fear of the war and his dawning realisation that the prisoners are people too. What could Jack possibly have in common with the people responsible for keeping his beloved brother at war? And can Shakespeare bring them all together? “Inspired by true events in Australia during World War I, this heartwarming coming-of-age story explores the things that separate us and those that bring us together. From the award-winning author of The Year the Maps Changed, it’s a great classroom read.” – Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children’s publishing, Hachette Australia | |
 |
Where Am I From? Yvonne Sewankambo, illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh Walker Books ISBN: 9781760655730 RRP: $25.99 Age: 3 to 6 Teacher resources |
| Why young readers will love it: “Where Am I From? is a question joyfully explored in this book, celebrating diversity and the global nature of the world today. Young readers will discover how our origins and stories are shaped by the blend of cultures, countries and histories in modern multicultural Australia. They can giggle at places where cheese is treated like a local hero, marvel at intricate temples and sink into vibrant jungles. Acclaimed illustrator Ronojoy’s landscapes evoke awe and wonder in our world, showing that who you are is a beautiful blend of where you’re from, where you’ve been, and all the places you’ll go.” – Eve Tonelli, publisher, Walker Books | |
Category: Book Club
