The second installment in our reviewer’s top picks for 2021.
Heather Gallagher
I’ve selected these books on the basis that they’re the ones that have ‘stayed with me’ long after I’ve read them during the year.
Boo Loves Books by Kaye Baillie and Tracie Grimwood
First a disclaimer; Kaye is in my writing group and a great friend. That aside, Boo Loves Books was a standout for me this year because it celebrates reading for a child who is a reluctant reader. A heart-warming and beautifully illustrated picture book, it also stars a lovable dog.
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
This verse novel is about a girl who is ‘fat-shamed’ by kids at school but also her family, most notably her overbearing mother. I loved this book for its beautiful poetry and the positive message about getting help – Ellie finds an awesome therapist who helps her on her journey.
Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
This third book in the Dumplin’ world of small-town Texas stars Waylon; an out gay, fat kid enduring his final year of high school. I loved the LGBTIQA+ representation in this book and the premise of upending the heteronormative prom experience with two gay kids as king and queen. A super fun read with a highly engaging main character who experiments with drag as his alter-ego Pumpkin.
Stef Gemmill
Great White Shark by Claire Saxby and Cindy Lane
An engaging non-fiction picture book presenting the life of this majestic beast with non-threatening and engaging text. The grace and power of the great white shark dominates each page set within a stunning watercolour background.
The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea: Squeals on Wheels (Book 2) by Renée Treml
Super-cute creature characters roller skating in crazy outfits in this illustrated chapter book with themes of self-confidence loaded with laughs. Perfect for kids taking the leap from school readers.
The Edge of Thirteen by Nova Weetman
A fun yet heart tugging book of friends growing up and growing apart. Tweens and teens will relate to Clem’s struggle with fitting in.
Susanne Gervay
The Best Cat, The Est Cat by Libby Hathorn and Rosie Handley
The first children’s picture book published by the State Library of New South Wales is narrative fiction at its best. Mathew Flinders’ cat TRIM takes delighted readers through the grand doors of the library to reveal the secrets of the archives and our history.
Michaela Mason’s Big List of Camp Worries by Alexa Moses
Just because it is fun. Just because kids worry. Just because lists help. Just because Michaela is a delightful character.
Paws by Kate Foster
Kate is the mother of an autistic boy. The subtle sensitivities of growing up with autism, reveals the realities of autism with humour, love, and acceptance. A special book.
Margot Hillel
Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee
I loved this for its strong sense of place and for the gentle but convincing pacing of the action. The growth in self-awareness of a number of the characters is really well-conveyed and I l also really loved the interweaving of the mythical elements with the realism.
The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sophie Laguna and Marc McBride
I loved the lyrical writing in this book – particularly in descriptions of animals. The sense of adventure is strong and the suspense is gripping. It’s also beautifully presented and designed with McBride’s magical illustrations.
The Magic of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt and Katherine Quinn
Magnolia is such an endearing character. The book is full of gentle humour, as was the previous book ‘starring’ Magnolia. It is a celebration of the imagination as well as of learning to cope with the reality around you.
