Weekend Reads round-up, 27 September 2026, part four: first chapter books

Princess Minna: The unicorn mix-up.

Written by Kirsty Applebaum.

Illustrated by Sahar Haghgoo.

Nosy Crow, 2022.

First chapter book.

A great book for princess-unicorn fans who want to grow their reading practice.

Possible read-alikes:

• Sparkleton series by Calliope Glass and Hollie Mengert.
• Iris and Luna series by Aurora Quirón, Isabel Escalante, and Chezalbi.
• The princess in black series by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.
• Princess and unicorn series by Kyla May and Zanni Louise.
• Mirabelle series by Harriet Muncaster.
• Polly Diamond series by Alice Kuiper and Diana Toledano.
• Fairies welcome series by Bea Jackson.
• School of monsters series by Sally Rippin and Chris Kennett. 

Starla Jean: which came first: the chicken or the friendship?

Written by Elana K. Arnold.

Illustrated by A.N. Kang.

Roaring Brook Press, 2021.

First chapter book.

This is such a wonderful book. It has been read and enjoyed by many in my family – none in the targeted age range - from 10 years old to 67 years old.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mr. Putter & Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard.
• Mr Duckins' chickens written by Mick Elliott.
• Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi and Hatem Aly.
• Diary of a pug series by Kyla May.
• Owl diaries series by Rebecca Elliott.
• The Great Mathemachicken series by Nancy Krulik and Charlie Alder.
• Penny & Luck series by Claire Karwowski and Siân Roberts. 

Stella & Marigold.

Written by Annie Barrows.

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

Chronicle Books, 2024.

First chapter book.

Two sisters. Longer chapters here, that read almost as stand-alone stories.

Possible read-alikes:

• Ivy + Bean take series by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall.
• Ella and Olivia series by Yvette Poshoglian and Gisela Bohórquez.
• Neecy and Nay Nay series by Simone Dankenbring, Syrone Harvey and Maya Henderson.
• Henry series by Jenn Bailey and Mika Song.
• My happy life series by Rose Lagercrantz and illustrated by Eva Eriksson; translated by Julia Marshall.
• Bille B. Brown series by Sally Rippin and Aki Fukuoka.

 

The Fabled Stables: Willa the wisp.

Written by Jonathan Auxier.

Illustrated by Olga Demidova.

Amulet Books, 2020.

First chapter book.

Adventure with magical and mythical characters. Some are real characters.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo and Chris van Dusen.
• Heartwood hotel series by Kallie George and Stephanie Graegin.
• Friendship Fairies series by Lucy Kennedy and Phillip Cullen.
• Star friends series by Linda Chapman and Kim Barnes.
• The Mythics series by Lauren Magaziner and Mirelle Ortega.
• Sea Keepers series by Coral Ripley.
• Magic animal rescue series by E.D. Baker and Lisa Manuzak.

 

Diplo dinosaur wants a roarsome friend.

Written by Swapna Haddow.

Illustrated by Yiting Lee.

Magic Cat Publishing, 2026.

First chapter book.

Friendship, new classmates (scary T REX!!!!), and negotiating relationships.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mermicorns series by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Vivien Wu.
• Rex: dinosaur in disguise series by Elys Dolan.
• Mr Grizley’s class series by Bryan Patrick Avery and Arief Putra.
• Usborne dinosaur tales series by Russell Punter and Andy Elkerton.
• Diary of a Dinoghost series by Monica Arnaldo.
• Dino poet series by Tom Angleberger. 

Witchycakes: Sweet magic.

Written by Kara LaReau.

Illustrated by Ariane Moreira.

Random House, 2025.

First chapter book.

A very earnest book about community and helping.

Possible read-alikes:

• Cupcake diaries series by Coco Simon and Manuela López.
• Moonlight Magic Club series by Melody Lockhart and Luna Valentine.
• Dragon girls series by Maddy Mara and Thais Damião.
• Oona Bramblegoop's sideways magic series by Kate Korsh and Marta Altés.
• Frank the monster series by Mats Strandberg and Sofia Falkenhem; translated by Julia Marshall. 

Weekend Reads round-up, 27 September 2026, part three

Which dinosaur are you?

Written by Grace Rockley.

Illustrated by Valeria Danilova.

Welbeck Children's Books, 2026.

Picture book.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Can be read as a picture book.

A few dinosaurs are picked out to make you think about what you like, or are good at.

Possible read-alikes:

• Dinosaur knowledge genius! by Dr Chris Barker and Riley Black.
• Who might you be? by R. Henderson.
• Bum or face?: can you tell which end you're looking at? by Kari Lavelle. 

Shine like the stars.

Written by Anna Wilson.

Illustrated by Harry Woodgate.

Andersen Press, 2023.

Picture book.

Connection to the natural world, and reaching our potential.

Possible read-alikes:

• The stuff of stars by Marion Dane Bauer and Ekua Holmes.
• A way to the stars by David Almond and Gill Smith.
• We are all one by Britta Teckentrup.
• My friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan and Francesca Sanna.
• I am the universe by Vasanti Unka.
• Here we are: notes for living on planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers.
• Just one little light by Kat Yeh and Isabelle Arsenault.
• The comet by Joe Todd-Stanton. 

Jeong is Jeong.

Written by Jessica Yoon.

Illustrated by Michelle Lee.

Make Me A World, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, [2026]

Picture book.

A wonderful glimpse into an aspect of Korean culture and language. Some words and concepts are difficult to translate.

Possible read-alikes:

• Binna's dalgona by Sojung Kim-McCarthy.
• Shoes off, please by Helena Ku Rhee and Myo Yim.
• What is love? by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis.
• Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas.   

Flock.

Written and illustrated by Gemma Koomen.

Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2019.

Picture book.

Shy, loneliness – but finding your place.

It is lovely. I’m sort of conflicted because being shy and enjoying your own community and space does not necessarily mean you’re lonely. Except Sylvia has taken it to the extreme and not socialised with anyone.

Possible read-alikes:

• Shy Willow by Cat Min.
• Everything in its place: a story of books and belonging by Pauline David-Sax and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.
• Nook by Sally Anne Garland.
• The dolls' house by Tanya Rosie and Claudia Ravalli.
• Little echo by Al Rodin.
• Paper chase by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy.
• Tiny Jenny: little fairy, big trouble by Briony May Smith. 

The butterfly house.

Written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate.

Affirm Press, 2025.

Picture book.

Isolated and depressed elderly neighbour. Curious young neighbour. Support and care within the community.

Possible read-alikes:

• The garden of broken things by Freya Blackwood.
• Christmas lights on Mistletoe Street by Kate Thompson and Natelle Quek.
• Rose meets Mr Wintergarten by Bob Graham.
• Dear Mr. G by Christine Evans and Gracey Zhang.
• The tree next door by Charlie Moyler and Martin Stanev.
• My poet by Patricia MacLachlan and Jen Hill.
• Reggie Round and the aga panthers by Jane Grant and Martina Heiduczek.
• Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the backyard treasures by Tricia Springstubb and Elaheh Taherian. 

Too many rabbits.

Written by Davide Calì.

Illustrated by Emanuele Benetti.

Translated from Italian by Angus Yuen-Killick.

Red Comet Press, 2023.

Picture book. Translation.

Counting and out of control rabbits.

Possible read-alikes:

• The rabbit problem by Emily Gravett.
• Matisse and the runaway rabbit by Georgia Larson and Iratxe Lopez de Munain.
• Oh, Carrots! by Mariajo Illustrajo.
• Too many carrots by Katy Hudson.
• Ten little rabbits by Maurice Sendak.
• 100 goats and granny! by Atinuke and Lauren Hinds.
• Seahorses are sold out by Katja Gehrmann and Constanze Spengler; translated by Shelley Tanaka.

 

The tiny star.

Written by Mem Fox.

Illustrated by Freya Blackwood.

Puffin Books, 2019.

Australian.

Picture book.

I love this book so much. The poignancy. The warmth – in text and illustration.

It’s a circle of life story, but so much more.

Possible read-alikes:

• The boy and the elephant by Freya Blackwood.
• The lost robot by Joe Todd-Stanton.
• Millie and the frame of wonder by Phil Cummings and Shane Devries.
• What stars are for by Margeaux Davis.
• My little star by Rory H. Mather and Matt Shanks. 

 
Dragon world

Written by Tamara Macfarlane.

Illustrated by Alessandra Fusi.

Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2026.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Got to love dragons.

I found it odd that there weren’t taniwha included, as almost every dragon book includes them. Unless the author decided it was a sea monster?

Possible read-alikes:

• Underwater world by Tamara Macfarlane and Alessandra Fusi.
• Fabulous creatures by Cornelia Funke and Ruby Warnecke; translated from German by Anna Schmitt Funke.
• Monsterlogica by Martin Maudsley and Victoria Topping.
• Real-life mythical creatures and their stories of survival by Anita Ganeri and Diego Vaisberg.
• Beasts of the ancient world: a kids' guide to mythical creatures, from the sphinx to the minotaur, dragons to baku by Marchella Ward and Asia Orlando.

   

The ghostkeeper.

Written and illustrated by Johanna Taylor.

Letters by Micah Myers.

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2024.

Graphic novel.  LGBTQIA+.

Ghosts, relationships, being different, life purpose, family obligations.

Possible read-alikes:

• The pale queen byEthan M. Aldridge.
• The moth keeper by K. O'Neill.
• The witch boy by Molly Knox Ostertag.
• Ghost roast by Shawnelle Gibbs & Shawneé Gibbs, Emily Cannon, and Aishwarya Tandon.
• Hollow by Shannon Watters & Branden Boyer-White, Berenice Nelle, Kaitlyn Musto, Kieran Quigley, Gonçalo Lopes, and Jim Campbell.
• Galaxy: the prettiest star by Jadzia Axelrod, Jess Taylor with Cris Peter, and Ariana Maher. 

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 0-6: USBBY Outstanding International Books List

 

Afloat.

Written by Kirli Saunders.

Illustrated by Freya Blackwood.

Little Hare, 2024.

Picture book.

Roam the water with me. We are here to learn. Here to spin wisdom, to grow... From award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes Afloat, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way. Afloat is an uplifting and inspiring picture book that uses the practice of weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.

The threads that weave us together – the importance of traditional weaving in many cultures.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 13-18: Oceania

Liar's test.

Written by Ambelin Kwaymullina.

Text Publishing, 2024.

Seven will come. Two will die. Two will sleep. Two will serve. One will rule. I didn't want to rule the Risen. Wreak a little havoc upon them, though? That was something else entirely. Bell Silverleaf is a liar. It's how she's survived. It's how all Treesingers have survived since they were invaded by the Risen and their fickle gods. But now Bell is in the Queen's Test-she's one of seven girls competing in deadly challenges to determine who will rule for the next twenty-five years. If Bell wins, she'll have the power to help her people and take revenge on the Risen. But first she has to make it through the challenges alive. She doesn't know how much she's been lied to, or where she fits in a bigger story, a mystery stretching back generations. And she's facing much bigger dangers than the Queen's Test. She's up against the gods themselves. Liar's Test is a fast-paced, intricately woven fantasy novel with an unforgettable heroine inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women.

So, when’s the next one coming?!!!

Riveting, edge-of-your-seat material.

Slight romantic interest going on.

Weekend Reads round-up, 27 September 2026, part two

Aren't you a strange bird!

Written and illustrated by Rocio Bonilla.

Translated from Spanish.

Apples & Honey Press, 2025.

Picture book.

Confusion over figures of speech.

Possible read-alikes:

• The eyeball alphabet book by Jerry Pallotta and Shennen Bersani.
• The cat's pyjamas by Wallace Edwards.
• Quiet as a mouse: and other animal idioms by Chieu Anh Urban.
• Butterflies in My Stomach and other school hazards by Serge Bloch.

 

Itty Bitty Betty Blob and Itty Bitty Betty Blob makes a splash.  

Written by Constance Lombardo.

Illustrated by Micah Player.

Hippo Park, 2024 and Astra Publishing, 2025.

Itty Bitty Betty Blob, and her mum, are delightful! So supportive of her different daughter. And Itty Bitty Betty Blob is delightfully different and so secure in herself. I liked that there was little, or no, bullying or teasing by her schoolmates.

Possible read-alikes:

• Stand tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell and David Catrow.
• Amoya Blackwood is brave by Chantaie Allick and Aaron Marin.
• You got this! by Rachael Davis and Leire Martin.
• Super Goat Girl by Tracey Baptiste and Dapo Adeola.
• Millie Fleur's poison garden by Christy Mandin. 

Bad to the bone.

Written and illustrated by Alex Wilmore.

Farshore, 2026.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

You have to watch out for tiny dogs. Especially chihuahuas.

Possible read-alikes:

• I am Dog! by Peter Bently and Chris Chatterton.
• Such a good boy by Marianna Coppo.
• I will love you anyway by Mick and Chloë Inkpen.
• A dog like that! by Janene Cooper and Evie Kemp.
• I am a wolf by Kelly Leigh Miller.

 

In-between places.

Written by Alex Killian.

Illustrated by Grady McFerrin.

Chronicle Books, 2025.

Picture book.

Diverse cast of characters.

A story of change and moments.

Possible read-alikes:

• What made you smile today? by Lou Peacock and Raquel Catalina.
• Goodbye house, hello house by Margaret Wild and Ann James.
• The space between by Clare Helen Welsh and Fiona Lumbers.
• Everything changes: and that's ok by Carol Dodd and Erin Huybrechts.

 

Adventures with Finn and Skip.

Written and illustrated by Brendan Kearney.

Dorling Kindersley, 2020 to 2024.

Picture book.

I had requested them in, because the illustrations reminded me of Stephen Michael King. I should not have read them in a block.

So formulaic – and message-driven. Seriously formulaic – the same thing happens in different environments, which almost the exact same words.

• Something, someday by Amanda Gorman and Christian Robinson.
• Unity Street School saves the planet by Sheena Davies.
• Counting in green: 10 little ways to help our big planet by Hollis Kurman and Barroux.
• Change starts with us by Sophie Beer. 

 

My dog ate the bathroom.

Written by Justin Christopher.

Illustrated by Raymond McGrath.

Scholastic New Zealand Limited, 2025.

Picture book.

A ridiculously outrageous tall-tale of epic proportions.

Possible read-alikes:

• A mouse just ate my house by Kes Gray and Sebastien Braun.
• Greedy Cat’s door by Joy Cowley and Robin Belton.
• The princess and the (greedy) pea by Leigh Hodgkinson.
• The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers.
• Oscar the Hungry Unicorn by Lou Carter and Nikki Dyson.

 

Don't disturb the unicorn!

Written by Rhiannon Findlay.

Illustrated by Siân Roberts.

Puffin, 2026.

Rhyming text.

Picture book.

With a title like this, you know you’re going to get chaos.

Possible read-alikes:

• Don't wake the dragon by Bianca Schulze and Samara Hardy.
• Don't wake up the tiger by Britta Teckentrup.
• What a night! by Guilherme Karsten.
• Cock-a-doodle-doo! by Pamela Allen.

 

Naughty.

Written by Jeanne Willis.

Illustrated by Paddy Donnelly.

Andersen Press, 2026.

Rhyming text.

Picture book.

It’s hard to behave all the time – even when you’re a grown-up.

Possible read-alikes:

• I can explain by Shinsuke Yoshitake.
• Fred gets dressed by Peter Brown.
• Tricky's bad day by Alison Lester.
• Oh no, George! by Chris Haughton. 

Super Uma!  

Written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande.

Illustrated by Nakul P.

Puffin Books, 2026.

Picture book.

The 'villain' has neurodiversity needs – overwhelmed by sensory overload. And, the real hero is definitely Super Uma’s Nani.

• Wonder mums by Caitlin & Leah Sheil, and Phillip Cullen.
• Supernana by Eva Byrne.
• Super Goat Girl by Tracey Baptiste and Dapo Adeola.
• My nanna is a ninja by Damon Young and Pete Carnavas.
• Superhero Gran by Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger.
• Too much!: an overwhelming day by Jolene Gutiérrez and Angel Chang.
• Oona and the shark by Kelly DiPucchio and Raissa Figueroa. 

The dangerous pet lover's guide to sea monsters.

Written by Lindsay Hirst.

Illustrated by Alice McKinley

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2026.

Picture book.

A fun manual you sort of wish was real.

Possible read-alikes:

• Don't eat bees: (life lessons from Chip the dog) by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt.
• If I had a dragon by Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow.
• How to look after your dinosaur by Jason Cockcroft.
• 15 things not to do with a puppy by Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling.
• If I had an elephant by Richard Fairgray, Terry Jones, and Tara Black.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 13-18: Oceania

 

Migration.

Written by Steph Matuku.

Huia Publishers, 2024.

Farah can't wait to escape her mother's incessant demands and attend the legendary Western Wānanga, where the best military fighters are trained. Through daring battles against her classmates and encounters with cryptic temple masters, Farah sheds her life as a person from the upper ranks of society and becomes an intuitive. But when her world comes under attack, she learns who she really is.

Colonisation through a science-fiction lens.

Action, adventure – death and violence. A little touch of romance. 

And lots to think about. 

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 0-6: A Language with a Non-Latin Script

 

I am here.

Written and illustrated by Kim Hyo-eun.

Scribe Publishing Company, 2026.

Translated from Korean.

Board book.

Beginning with 'below' concepts read vertically — sun, clouds, rainbow, Mum — the book matches how babies naturally look up at their world. It then transitions to 'beside' relationships read horizontally — grandfather, cat, ants, nature treasures — reflecting babies' growing engagement with their immediate environment. The journey ends with the profound moment of self-recognition: 'me'. The ingenious format mirrors how babies actually develop — looking up first, then engaging laterally with their environment.

A wee gem of a book. It opens both up and down; and then back to front.

Weekend Reads round-up, 27 September 2026, part one

 

Meena's Saturday.

Written by Kusum Mepani.

Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail.

Puffin Books, 2025.

Picture book.

First generation – from a family who have helped many other families migrate. So, their house is full on Saturdays – but only the girls / women do the work. And the boys / men get to eat first.

The injustice is obvious to Meena, who has been raised in a wider culture that has different expectations and gender roles.

Possible read-alikes:

• Zog and the flying doctors by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
• Boys don't fry by Kimberly Lee and Charlene Chua. 
• Sarabeth's garage by Melanie Florence and Nadia Alam.
• Nisha knows best by Maryann Jacob Macias and Maithili Joshi.

 

Merlin, are you small or big? and Merlin, are you near or far?

Written and illustrated by Eva Rasano.

Translated from Italian by Ananyaa Malhotra.

Candlewick Press, 2026.

Board book.

Opposites and perspective.

Possible read-alikes:

• Are you small? and Are you big? by Mo Willems.
• Opposites by Sandra Boynton.
• Little Owl's opposites by Divya Srinivasan.
• Maisy big, Maisy small: a book of rhyming opposites by Lucy Cousins. 

A bear, a fish, and a fishy wish.

Written by Daniel Bernstrom.

Illustrated by Brandon James Scott.

Astra Publishing, 2024.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

Will the bear eat the fish?

Will the fish escape?

Who will get their wish?

Possible read-alikes:

• A bear, a bee, and a honey tree by Daniel Bernstrom and Brandon James Scott.
• Mine! by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann.
• Don't eat Eustace by Lian Cho.

 

Imani's moon.

Written by JaNay Brown-Wood.

Illustrated by Hazel Mitchell.

Charlesbridge, 2014.

Picture book.

Based / inspired by Masai / Kenyan and Tanzanian culture, traditions, and mythology.

Wishes and teasing / bullying.

Possible read-alikes:

• King for a day by Rukhsana Khan and Christiane Kromer.
• The underwater moon by Sandra Dieckmann.
• Moon Mouse by Corrinne Averiss and Lorna Hill.
• Flora’s flowers by Debi Gliori.

 

Queen Victoria's bathing machine.

Written by Gloria Whelan.

Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter.

Simon & Schuster, 2014.

Sophisticated picture book.

Based on the true story of Prince Albert inventing a bathing machine, so that Queen Victoria could go swimming, without showing her body.

Possible read-alikes:

• Queen Victoria’s Christmas and Queen Victoria’s underpants by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley.
• Like a gannet by Kristen Ealand and Deb Hudson.
• Kwesi and Nana Ruby learn to swim by Kobina Commeh and Bárbara Quintino.
• You forgot your skirt, Amelia Bloomer, a very improper story by Shana Corey and Chelsey McLaren.
• Mary wears what she wants by Keith Negley.
• Nothing stopped Sophie: a story of unshakable mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock. 

I can't sleep.

Written and illustrated by Emma Farrarons.

Rocket Bird Books, 2026.

Picture book.

Why do we sleep in beds? It’s a good question. Which sparks an imaginative night time journey.

Possible read-alikes:

• Just because by Mac Barnett and Isabelle Arsenault.
• Bunnies don't like bedtime! by Jonny Leighton and Robert Starling.
• Sleep is for babies by Emily McDowall and Julia Hegetusch.
• Brown Bear can't sleep by Yijun Cai.
• A monstrous bedtime by Kerilynn Wilson.
• The great escape by Deborah Marcero.
• The Dreamies by Iona Campbell. 

Colin's grandma.

Written and illustrated by Holly Swain.

Farshore, 2025.

Picture book.

Sequel to Colin’s castle.

Colin, the vegetarian vampire, has a very traditional grandmother – who he finally stands up to. And tries to persuade her into his ways.

Possible read-alikes:

• Dick the delightful duck: (now and then, everyone has a bad day) by Kaye Umansky and Ben Mantle.
• Bear & Duck are friends by Sue deGennaro.
• Nanna Croccles by Susan Joy Lu. 

Kitty Caterpillar.

Written by Annabeth Bondor-Stone & Connor White.

Iillustrated by Brigette Barrager.

Balzer + Bray, 2026.

Picture book.

When an inside cat finds the outside.

Possible read-alikes:

• I can fly by Ruth Krauss and Mary Blair – this is more for the illustrations.
• The rare bird by Elisha Cooper.
• Greedy Cat and the chooks by Joy Cowley and Robyn Belton.
• Mildred the gallery cat by Jono Ganz.
• Inside cat by Brendan Wenzel.

 

A mouse just ate my house!

Written by Kes Gray.

Illustrated by Sebastien Braun.

Happy Yak, 2025.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

Cut-outs.

An increasingly ridiculous far-fetched tale. Possible read-alikes:

• My dog ate the bathroom by Justin Christopher and Raymond McGrath.
• This book just ate my dog by Richard Byrne.
• Hungry Jim by Laurel Snyder and Chuck Groenink.
• Monster! Hungry! Phone! by Sean Taylor and Fred Benaglia.
• I am hungry by Michael Rosen and Robert Starling.
• Jim: who ran away from his nurse and was eaten by a lion by Hilaire Belloc.
• I just ate my friend by Heidi McKinnon.

 

The wildest thing.

Written and illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin.

Random House, 2026.

Picture book.

Embracing the wild and nature.

Possible read-alikes:

• Outside in by Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby.
• We are all one by Britta Teckentrup.
• Wild summer by Vasanti Unka.
• The comet by Joe Todd-Stanton.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 13-18: Graphic Novel or Comic

Folk remedy: the hidden world of the yōkai. (Book 1).

Written and illustrated by Jem Yoshioka.

Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2025.

After twelve-year-old Maple Morimura reads a book detailing her family's relationship to the spirits and supernatural beings called yōkai, she unexpectedly travels to a hidden spirit world with a mischievous Yōkai named Ember.

Shortlisted for the Russell Clark Award for Illustration, in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, 2026.Shortlisted for the NZSA Best First Book Award in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, 2026.

Ends on a cliffhanger!

Jem dedicated her first book to her grandmother, Taeko, who travelled from Japan to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Which led to an online conversation between myself and Jem as to where does she feel her book fits. And the answer is, both Oceania and Asia. So, for my own sanity – and because it was an incredibly unfair question for me to ask – I’ve put it in graphic novels.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 0-6: The Americas

  

Letters in charcoal.

Written by Irene Vasco. Illustrated by Juan Palomino.

Translated from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel. Lantana, 2023.

Original published in Spanish as Letras al carbón by Editorial Juventud S.A., Spain in 2015. Sophisticated picture book.

In the pueblo of Palenque in Colombia, hardly anybody knows how to read. Curious about the letters her older sister Gina receives from a young doctor each month — letters that she is sure contain promises of love — one young girl makes a decision that will change her life, and the lives of every child in the pueblo, forever. With the help of Senor Velandia, the owner of the village shop, she will slowly unlock the letters of the alphabet and discover the magic of reading. And soon she will make a discovery that is more miraculous still — that letters are literally all around her. 

The assumption by the literate and privileged that *every one* can read.

Also the power of reading. But, I have a deep sadness for the two worlds that struggle to meet.

The literate / online world that is dominate – and I am very much part of – and how difficult it makes navigating the world for those who are not part of it.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 7-12: A Language Spoken by a Friend

 

Timeline: science & technology: a visual history of our world.

Written and illustrated by Peter Goes.

Translated from the Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke.

Gecko Press, 2020.

Illustrated nonfiction.

A visual introduction to our planet and society told through the history of our greatest inventions and the technology that has changed the world. In his signature playful style, Peter Goes illustrates the most fascinating technologies, from the first tools to the most specialized IT, from medical breakthroughs to the creation of YouTube. He includes remarkable scientists and innovators and highlights lesser-known stories. A compelling history of technology from the Stone Age to the present day, from America to the Southern hemisphere and beyond.

Busy and detailed – the human figures are not stereotyped – which is great.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 7-12: Europe

 

Girls who slay monsters: daring deeds of the Irish goddesses.

Written by Ellen Ryan.

Illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald.

HarperCollinsIreland, 2022.

Unsung stories from ancient Irish myths re-imagined for nine-to-twelve year olds.

There was a time when tales of Ireland’s mythical goddesses—their astonishing powers, bravery, and unbreakable bonds with nature—were famous, in Ireland and beyond. But over time, these stories were lost, often replaced or rewritten to make room for male warriors and kings.

Until Now.

Girls Who Slay Monsters brings these heroes of Irish mythology back to vibrant, magical life. From Éire, Ireland’s fierce namesake, and Bé Binn, a giant who overcame her bullies, to Badb, a gleefully gruesome death prophet, and Bé Mannair, a gender-fluid spy who challenged an entire army. These are goddesses of many shapes, skin shades and sizes, from every corner of ancient Ireland, whose daring still inspires today.

Stand by their sides as they wield magic, fight monsters, and protect the powerless — and you might just discover that you, too, are a force of nature.

Inspirational and empowering stories of goddesses, so many I’ve never heard of.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 13-18: Europe

 

Invisible.

Written by Eloy Moreno.

Translated from Spanish by Cristina Gahan.

Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2026.

A boy wakes up in a hospital room with no memory of how he got there. As time passes, the pieces of what happened that terrible fateful day start falling into place, and the boy remembers his secret: he has the power to become invisible. The boy is hesitant to tell anyone the truth. What will they think of him if they find out why he gained this ability? And what if it makes everything worse? One thing is certain - the invisible boy has become visible. Can he stand up to his biggest fear?

Be gentle with yourself, on reading this.

Told through multiple points of view, this is a confronting, challenging, and heartbreaking investigation into bullying – and the perpetrators, including the bystanders, observers, and those who laugh. Adults are complicit in this story of school bullying. Whether it is parents laughing at viral videos, or school staff who don't want to deal / acknowledge the issue. Or, parents who are so tied up with their lives, they don't see. 

So much is heartbreaking, but the interaction between the boy and his father, who is at his hospital bed, is right up there: 

"You don't work today either, Dad?" 

“No, not today. They gave me leave so I could stay with you, look after you.”

“And can’t they give you leave when I’m fine, when I’m not sick, so we can spend more time together?”

            And that’s when his heart started hurting him. That night he tried to remember the times he’d spent at home on a weekday: when he caught that awful flu, when he had that accident with his hand, when Grandpa died, when he’d taken the day off for his mother-in-law’s burial, but they’d never given him time off to celebrate a first tooth falling out, to show a child how to ride a bike, to spend a birthday together, to go for a swim at the beach…. In other words, they had never given him time off for the only real important things in life.