Young Readers

Too old for picture books but not yet at the sophistication of Young Adult novels, these are engaging stories for younger readers that are often in a popular series.Once they have read one, they’ll want to read the rest!

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NAT AMOORE- We run Tomorrow

Nat Amoore hosts a podcast on kidslit, rides a skateboard and had very cool sneakers which matched the illustrations in her book ‘ We run tomorrow’ – She had the longest line at the book signing tent

Recorded at Storyfest 2023

FELICE ARENA - The Boy and the Spy

 

A fast paced tale of a young boy caught up in the Second World war . In this scene he is being chased by a German soldier and comes to the edge of a cliff - he has to decide, face a charge of treason or jump!

Recorded at Somerset  Storyfest 2019

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TRISTAN BANCKS- My Life & other Exploding chickens

tridtan-bancks-new-head-shot My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up Girls are so scary when you are at primary school, but sometimes you have to do deals as Tristan’s pint sized protagonist finds out.   My Life and other Exploding Chickens Another hilarious instalment from this series in which our hero learns that homework can be farmed out - but it has to be paid for!   My Life and other Weaponised Muffins Tom plans to be good for a whole day - after all, how hard can it be?

TRISTAN BANCKS- BANCKS' GINGER MEGGS

Ginger Meggs has been a feature of daily newspapers now for over 100 years. In fact, this year marks the centenary of the birth of Ginger, originally created by Jimmy Bancks. To commemorate this occasion, a brand new edition of four Ginger Meggs adventures has been published by Penguin written by the great great nephew of Jimmy Bancks- Tristan Bancks- himself a a popular and successful author of children’s and young adult books. With illustrations by the strip’ current illustrator Jason Chatfield, it is a handsome, hardback quality paper production that a wonderful tribute to this little Aussie redhead.

TRISTAN BANCKS- Nit Boy

The ever popular Nit Boy returns in one combined book in this reissue of the two Nit Boy tales. Definitely one for the kids but adults will laugh ruefully in recognition of this endless fight against an ancient accompaniment to human life - the Nit! With funny illustrations by Heath McKenzie.  

Recorded 2020 at Studio 3

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ADAM CECE- Extremely Weird Thing that happened in Huggabie Falls

Weird things are always happening in Huggabie Falls - it's a place where magic is part of everyday life. So this must be something really unusual!

Recorded at Storyfest 2022

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NICK FALK &TONY FLOWERS- How to Stop an Alien Invasion Using Shakespeare

  Tony Flowers does all the funny pictures for Nick Falk's books but he also does a great job of funny voices as well in this read from their book. I've included one of Tony's illustrations from the book which make it very enjoyable for young readers.

Recorded at the Byron Writers Festival 2019

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MORRIS GLEITZMAN - Help Around the House

  Ludo's dad has been elected to parliament and now Ludo is on his first ever plane ride  all by himself. He thinks he should share the benefits, and tries to to giveaway his business class seat - much to the the disapproval of the flight attendant!

Recorded at Bellingen Writers Festival 2019

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Tim Harris – ‘Mr. Bambuckles Remarkables Fight Back’

  Overnight the world has been turned upside down as a typographical error makes the age of 18 now 8 - so kids can drive and go to work!

Recorded at Somerset Literature Festival 2018

JACQUELINE HARVEY - Willa and Wolf - Mimi is Missing

Jacqueline Harvey has written over 50 books for children including the series of ‘Willa and Wolf’ novels in which Willa and her faithful hound Wolf solve mysteries in their town.

Recorded at Storyfest 2023

PETER HELLIAR- Frankie Fish and the Sonic Suitcase

Peter Helliar's book is a pretty big read for this age group but according to him they just race through it - probably because Peter is a stand-up comedian and it's a pretty funny. This is a short read from him though!

Recorded at the Byron writers Festival 2017

PAULINE HOSKING - Cinnamon Stevens Crime Buster

Cinnamon Stevens is a 12 year old sleuth who solves crimes in and around Melbourne. Her first investigation, Crime Buster, starts on Phillip Island.  

CINNAMON STEVENS – GHOST LIGHT Ghost light is the second book in this series. Cinnamon and her classmates have travelled to Walhalla, the old gold mining town in Gippsland.

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BELINDA MURRELL - The Golden Tower

Belinda Murrell writes lovely fantasy stories  with strong female characters .In 'The Golden Tower' , Sophie believes herself weak and untalented and discovers just how clever and brave she can be under pressure. Belinda uses her love of travel to infuse her stories with beautifully observed local food and customs- I am sure her three children love researching her books with her!

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LISA NICOL - The What on Earth Institute of Wonder

      This is a fun book for all genders, budding conservationists and even end of the world 'preppers'! Sal's best friend is a Kakapo, her little brother is well prepared for the end of the world and her best mate loves Nina Simone. So let's just throw in the mysterious appearance in town of an elephant, and a very nasty postmaster!

The What on Earth Institute of Wonder

And here is a read from Lisa from her previous book!

Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth

SORAYA NICHOLS – Starlight Stables

A great combination for young girls who love horses, and detective stories. A group of pony riding friends solve a mystery.

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This site is wholly supported and maintained by Fine Artist Karena Wynn-Moylan. View more of her paintings by clicking on the image here. Paintings, books, prints for sale and commissions accepted through her website . (Image shown ' Katrina's Cakes  -Passionfruit Delicious'  Oil on Cotton duck -20cms X 30cms)

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LOUISE PARK - Grace's Escape

After meeting with a mysterious fortune teller at the fair, Grace and her friends  barely escape from an icy death  skating on the pond.

Recorded at Storyfest 2022

Chrissie Perry –' Penelope Perfect : Project Best Friend'

Penelope loves her phone which she bought with half her own money and half from her dad who wanted to keep in touch with her now that he has a new family.. Everything in her life is just wonderful but Penelope plots how to make her life absolutely perfect by acquiring a new best friend.

Recorded at Somerset Literature Festival 2018

DAMEAN POSSNER – Helix and the Arrival

If you think it’s hard living with your family, what was it like for a teenager in the Stone Age? Helix needs to prove himself in his father’s eyes, but he just not the hunting type!

LUKE PROUDFOOT – Shaka Shaka Hawaii

A group of Australian animal mates who love to surf! Comedy for grommets ! And Luke even has music on his website to go with the book. Click here to go to his music site: http://theproudfoots.com.au/music-downloads-mp3/

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SOLLI RAPHAEL - 29 Things You Didn't Know About Me

When you are younger the process of making friends can be a bit of mystery. How do you tell someone about yourself? Solli Raphael uses prose and rhyme and funny pictures to make this process seem fun.

Recorded at Byron Writers Festival 2023

RICHARD ROXBURGH - Artie and the Grime Wave

Richard Roxburgh loved reading to his two boys so much he decided to get in on the fun and write his own children's book! Being an actor, he can't resist reading all the characters in funny voices!

Recorded at Byron Writers Festival 2017

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MATT STANTON - Bored - Milo finds $105

Milo finds some money on the ground. But who does it belong to? He wants to keep it, but is that the right thing to do?

Recorded at Storyfest 2022

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LIAN TANNER- 'Accidental Heroes: The Rogues'

Lian reads wonderfully from this book which is part of a series of fantasy novels for younger readers. The mysterious Lord Rump and his granddaughter Duckling are in big trouble.

Recorded at Byron Writers Festival 2018

JOL TEMPLE - Capt. Jimmy Cook Discovers Third Grade

jol-temple-authors-headshot Jimmy thinks boys don't keep diaries- they keep logs! At least he comes to this conclusion after learning of his famous seafaring ancestor.

Recorded at Sydney Writers Festival 2016

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SUE WHITING - Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast

Not many little girls have a pig as a best friend - and also belong to a secret magic society dedicated to protecting the world. Pearly finds she has to step up and break the rules to get out of a sticky situation.

Recorded at Storyfest 2022

SEAN WILLIAMS - Her Perilous Mansion

A creepy gothic mansion where nothing is quite what it seems. Mysterious tenants appear and disappear, and just how enormous is the old house? A wonderful tale of the imagination for young readers.

Recorded at Storyfest 2022

 

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