Best of 2016 - Top 10 Chapter Books & Junior Fiction

An apartment full of questions on a street full of mysteries…

Why does Squishy have to share everything with her new step-sisters?

Why is her next-door neighbor the crankiest man in the world?

Why are green jelly snakes the yummiest?

Who's that hiding in the basement?

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
01/02/2016
 
$12.99

A moving story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his fox, and their epic journey to be reunited.

Beautifully illustrated by multi-award winner, Jon Klassen.

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed and he was rescued by 'his boy', Peter. Now the country is at war and when his father enlists, Peter has no choice but to move in with his grandfather. Far worse than leaving home is the fact that he has to leave Pax behind. But before Peter spends even one night under his grandfather's roof he sneaks out into the night, determined to find his beloved friend. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their journeys back to each other as war rampages throughout the country.

A profound and moving story with stunning illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Jon Klassen, Pax is destined to become a classic in the vein of Charlotte's Web and Watership Down.

Format:
Hardback
Publication Date:
21/03/2016
 
$19.99

I didn't want Mrs Cyclopolos to explode. I just wanted a paper round.

My name is Charlie Ian Duncan. I will be 12 on 2 February. I have written this history of my war with the grannies because I need everyone to know that I didn't mean for Mrs Cyclopolos to blow up. I just wanted a paper round.

When I say 'my war with the grannies', I really mean the war I waged alongside my best friend Hils, my second-best-friend Rashid, Peter the Iraqi who isn't afraid of anything (well apart from one thing), Warren and his magical bike TwelveSpeed and those crazy people we met underground.

The grannies started it when I asked them about a paper round and they sprayed me in the face with rooster brand chilli sauce and made me think that I was dead. Hils and I decided to go to war with them but then I discovered one of the grannies had a glass eye and I wasn't sure if it was okay to go to war against someone with a glass eye but then I discovered that the granny with the glass eye could pinch bricks in half, turn her snot-covered hankies into deadly throwing weapons and possessed a truly terrible device called the Gnashing Gnet.

It's all true.

Especially the bit about me not wanting anyone to blow up. 

Ages: 8+

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
28/06/2016
RRP  $14.99
$14.25

New from the creators of Captain Underpants, it's Dog Man, the crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL COP!

George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers.

When Greg the police dog and his cop companion are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history, and Dog Man is born.

With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty? This new series from Dav Pilkey may use conventional spelling but it is still full of all the same humour and fun of George and Harold's previous graphic novels!

Format:
Hardback
Publication Date:
01/09/2016
11%
OFF
RRP  $19.99
$17.95

It's a ZOMBIE KITTEN APOCALYPSE!

Should you panic? Should you cry? Should you poop your pants?

NO!

Just sit back and watch the fur fly as the worlds baddest good guys take on Mad Marmalades meowing monsters!

Ages 7-10

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
01/10/2016
20%
OFF
RRP  $16.99
$13.75

The much-awaited sequel to The Runaway bestseller Withering-by-Sea

When Stella Montgomery returned to the Hotel Majestic cold and wet but exhilarated by adventure, the Aunts were furious.

Now they are sending Stella away to the old family home at Wormwood Mire, where she must live with two strange cousins and their governess.

But within the overgrown grounds of the mouldering house, dark secrets slither and skulk, and soon Stella must be brave once more if she's to find out who - or what - she really is...

From bestselling writer-illustrator Judith Rossell comes the thrilling and magical sequel to her multi-award-winning novel, Withering-by-Sea.

"You won't be disappointed. Wormwood Mire is another page-turner." - Kids' Book Review

"Those who loved Withering-by-Sea...will be thrilled to hear that Wormwood Mire is even better!" - Readings

"Will keep the reader turning the pages in anticiption" - Story Mama

"I was entranced...from page one" - Brona's Books

"A gratifying continuation of Stella's story" - Kirkus Reviews

Series Awards

Withering-by-Sea (Book 1)
  • Winner - 2015 Indie Awards, Book of the Year: Children's & YA
  • Winner - 2015 Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year: Older Children
  • Winner - 2015 Davitt Awards
  • Honour Book - 2015 Children's Book Council of Australia Awards
  • Shortlisted - 2015 Prime Minister's Literary Awards
  • Shortlisted - 2014 Aurealis Awards
  • Shortlisted - 2017 Australian Book Design Awards

Wormwood Mire (Book 2)

  • Winner - 2017 Davitt Awards
  • Shortlisted - 2017 Indie Awards, Book of the Year: Children's & YA
  • Shortlisted - 2017 Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year: Older Children
  • Shortlisted - 2017 ABA Booksellers' Choice Award
  • Shortlisted - 2017 Australian Book Design Awards
  • Notable Book - 2017Children's Book Council of Australia Awards
Format:
Hardback
Publication Date:
24/10/2016
RRP  $24.99
$23.75

Twelve-year-old Iris has been sent to Spain on a mission: to make sure her elderly and unusual aunt, Ursula, leaves her fortune - and her sprawling estate - to Iris's scheming parents.

But from the moment Iris arrives at Bosque de Nubes, she realises something isn't quite right. There is an odd feeling around the house, where time moves slowly and Iris's eyes play tricks on her. While outside, in the wild and untamed forest, a mysterious animal moves through the shadows.

Just what is Aunt Ursula hiding?

But when Iris discovers a painting named Iris and the Tiger, she sets out to uncover the animal's real identity - putting her life in terrible danger.

'A surrealist mystery (what could be more intriguing than that?) and a fantastic journey through life, art and families. Wise, whimsical, delightfully original and altogether charming.' - Cassandra Golds

'Reminiscent of Elizabeth Goudge's classic The Little White Horse, full of mystery and an enchanting sense of elsewhere.' - Martine Murray

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
27/01/2016
 
$16.99

Join Andy and Terry in their spectacular new 78-storey treehouse.

They've added 13 new levels including a drive-thru car wash, a combining machine, a scribbletorium, an ALL-BALL sports stadium, Andyland, Terrytown, a high-security potato chip storage facility and an open-air movie theatre.

Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!

Ages: 9-12

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
09/08/2016
RRP  $14.99
$14.25

The Midnight Gang

by David Walliams and others
4/5 Rating 3 Reviews

Welcome to the Midnight Gang!

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for... the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning...

When Tom gets hit on the head by a cricket ball, he finds himself at Lord Funt Hospital, and is greeted by a terrifying-looking porter. Things go from bad to worse when he meets the wicked matron in charge of the children’s ward… But Tom is about to embark on the most thrilling journey of a lifetime!

The Midnight Gang tells an extraordinarily heartwarming and, of course, funny story of five children on a hospital ward – and on a quest for adventure! It is a story of friendship and magic – and of making dreams come true. Readers are set to be utterly spellbound by this heartfelt story that will bring magic to everyone’s Christmas.

David Walliams is back with another heart-warming, jaw-achingly funny, rollicking read! With illustrations by artistic genius Tony Ross.

Ages 8-12

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
24/10/2016
 
$19.99

In her seventh novel, international bestselling author and twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal Kate DiCamillo tells a masterful story that blends pathos and humour.

Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father - who has run away with a dental hygienist - will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home.

To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton, but she has to compete with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante with her show-business background and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest.

But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship - and challenge them to come to each other's rescue in unexpected ways.

This book features in our Best Books of 2016 (so far)

Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
12/04/2016
 
$19.99

 

More in Kids & Teens

Top 10 Picture Books Top Ten Chapter Books
Top 10 YA Kid's Book Bestseller