There’s an endless succession of new books released, so we’ve made things easier for parents looking for bedtime stories and narrowed down the best of October and November’s releases. Mostly for younger readers, there are a couple of items for the young adults in your household, too.
1. THE WILD ROBOT ESCAPES
In this sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot, Roz must leave behind the life she’s built on a remote island. When she’s taken back to civilization she must pretend she’s like every other robot. She must follow orders, carry out simple tasks, and – most importantly – she must never let anyone know who she really is. This delightful book follows Roz as she tries to get back to the island and to her beloved Brightbill. Peter Brown has written a dangerous adventure for our mechanical hero, full of surprises!
2. THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD
Award-winning illustrator Chris Riddell has bestowed his magic touch on J.K. Rowling’s fairy tale compendium. The five mischievous tales are “translated” by Rowling’s fan-favourite character Hermione Granger, and each story is accompanied by a witty commentary by Professor Albus Dumbledore. Beedle the Bard’s accounts are famous in the world of Harry Potter, but stand up delightfully on their own. With full-colour, fully-illustrated pages this collection is just as beautiful to look at as it is to read.
3. THERE’S A BADDIE RUNNING THROUGH THIS BOOK
A rip-roaring adventure story for younger readers. This book contains a baddie – but where? Hunt through the pages and lively text for the sneaky villain until the last page. Fast-paced and playful, Shelly Unwin has created another book that’s an exciting interactive experience for everyone reading.
4. HERE COMES STINKBUG!
When Stinkbug’s friends don’t enjoy his stinky side, the sad bug wonders if it’s time for a change. The pictures are gorgeously-drawn and the hilarious text is engaging. Written and illustrated by the award-winning Tohby Riddle, Here Comes Stinkbug! is a redemption tale for younger readers, who may relate to the smelly protagonist.
5. SPECIAL FORCES CADETS 1: SIEGE
When a top-secret government programme needs a team of underage, undercover military operators four teens train with the best. After passing the most rigorous selection processes Max, Abby, Lukas, and Sami are sent into an armed siege in an inner-city school. Chris Ryan has previously written best-selling novel Strike Back and been an SAS soldier. Both these experiences have led him to write an excellent, action-packed series that will delight and inspire young adults.
6. PETER PAN
J.M. Barrie’s classic tale is reimagined by Caryl Hart and Sarah Warburton for a younger audience. When Peter Pan flies through the Darlings’ window they’re sent on a picturesque journey around Neverland, where fairies are real and no-one grows old. The Darling children’s adventures are recounted in rhyme in this elegant picture book for young children.
7. THE RABBIT, THE DARK AND THE BISCUIT TIN
Rabbit has a cunning plan to avoid his bedtime: capture The Dark and put it in a tin. The Dark wants to get out and reminds Rabbit of all the good it does. Nocturnal animals, waking up for breakfast, and a good bedtime story… There’s plenty good about The Dark. Best-selling author Nicola O’Byrne has created a good story with some compelling reasons for children not to be afraid of The Dark.
8. OH BOY: A STORYBOOK OF EPIC NZ MEN
The brother book to best-seller GO GIRL, this book is a collection of stories about what it takes to be a top Kiwi bloke. Filled with anecdotes and biographies from people like Ernest Rutherford, Jonah Lomu, Taika Waititi, Willie Apiata, Peter Jackson and many, many more, OH BOY is an essential read for any young man trying to figure out his place in the world. Stuart Lipshaw has written an inspiring, thought-provoking book that will challenge readers’ notions about what it really means to be a man – and what it takes to be a hero.
9. MARGE: 9 STORIES IN 1
This bumper book of stories from Isla Fisher’s Marge in Charge series is a hilarious romp through the world of Marge, the best babysitter around. Fisher is a renowned comedic actress, so it should come as no surprise that her books are hilarious and captivating. Marge has rainbow hair, a loud mouth, and dedication to her job. An exciting read for young children looking for adventure.
10. ABC FOR ME: ABC WHAT CAN SHE BE?
ABC What Can She Be? shows children that even the sky isn’t the limit. Get your kid thinking about her future contribution to society with this ABC of potential careers – everything from astronaut to zoologist. Colourful illustrations help parents explain what each of these paths means, and show your little one what they could be dreaming about.
