Children's Fiction Book Reviews
Our team love to discover the best and brightest of children's books. Explore the Dymocks team's reviews of exciting fantasy titles, silly stories and almost everything in between.
This modern take on Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was everything I wanted and more. With a tremendous cast of characters and packed full of charm, wit and friendship, I had such a blast exploring the world of Ana Dakkar. Long-time and new fans alike of Rick Riordan won't be disappointed in this exhilarating, humorous and action-packed adventure.
Tanaya, Dymocks Marketing Coordindator
Minty Mae Gray and the...
Fifi Box
In her debut picture book, Fifi Box has done an incredible job spreading the message of self-acceptance for kids, with excellent rhyming throughout. Illustrator Freda Chiu also captures this message superbly with such an adorable and joyous style; I can't help but be charmed by the art! Minty Mae Gray is a perfect pick for fans of All the Ways to Be Smart and Love Your Body. The take-away: you're perfect the way you are!
Hsu, Dymocks Category Manager
Fireborn: Twelve and the...
Fireborn is a fun, enthralling debut and just the beginning of more to come. It's the story of a young girl called Twelve, who gives up her name to train as a hunter of monsters. Finding herself thrust among the dangers of the wild with two of her fellow students, she is determined to remain closed off, keeping her secrets close, but nothing ever goes the way we plan! Along the way Twelve learns some important lessons about her world and herself. If you loved Nevermoor you'll love Fireborn!
Emily, Dymocks Sydney
Are You There, Buddha?
Pip Harry
In the tradition of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, this is a coming-of-age story about Bridget, a 12-year-old navigating year 7, first periods and boys. Written in a lyrical verse style, this book will appeal to girls looking for a compassionate glimpse of what's to come. With competitive swimming and mean girls thrown in, Bridget is a fine role model of a girl learning to stand her ground.
Heather, Dymocks Waurn Ponds
Where the Heart Is
Irma Gold, Susannah Crispe
Inspired by an extraordinary true story, Where the Heart Is is the tale of the friendship between Dindim the Magellanic penguin and his rescuer, Joao. Dindim's story filled my heart with joy and I loved the colourful illustrations which captured the friendship and beauty of the natural world in such a special way.
Emily, Dymocks Marketing Coordinator
The Ballad of Melodie Rose
Kate Gordon
When Melodie awakes at Direleafe Hall, she becomes friends with the three school ghosts, Lucy, Florence and Nell, and believes she now too is a ghost (but isn't sad about it). The school quickly becomes her new home, and her new friends like family. When the Lady in White buys the school and plans to destroy it, Melodie and the girls must do all they can to protect it. Perfect for ages 7+, this is a beautifully written novel from Kate Gordon, who has once again created a world little readers will love.
Imogen, Dymocks Category Manager
Lightfall: The Girl & the...
Tim Probert
A seriously enchanting start to a new graphic novel series, set in a beautifully realised, evocatively rendered fantasy landscape, featuring charming protagonists and teaching us lessons about friendship and facing fear. There's something in the glowing hues of Tim Probert's illustrations that makes your heart beat a little faster while you read... it's simply magical.
Pawcasso
Remy Lai
I was absolutely delighted by this truly fun book, and I was caught laughing out loud quite a few times! This story also has a nice reminder: we don't always know what someone's story is, so be kind.
Gina, Dymocks Neutral Bay
Anna Walker, Jane Godwin
Another exquisite picture book from wonder-team Jane Godwin and Anna Walker. It never ceases to amaze me how much magic these two much-loved Aussie authors are able to capture in their picture books, from the layered and evocative artwork to the simple but profound words. The take-away: sometimes it's important to remember all the things we do to be a part of the world - big, and small.
The Golden Tower
Belinda Murrell
Spending three weeks with her Nanna in Kentish Downs while her brother attends summer camp at Oxford might sound boring, but when Sophie is transported to Tuscia, and swept up on a journey to the Gold Tower, it's clear she's in for the summer of a lifetime! A talking cat, flying horses, an enchanted cave, and a massive dog named Lupo… there's so many magical characters in this book. It was over too soon!
When the Waterhole Dries Up
Kaye Baillie, Max Hamilton
When the Waterhole Dries Up is such a fun and heart-warming picture book! I've always imagined all of our wonderful Australian wildlife to be making mischief together in the bush, rollicking and dancing and getting along, and the charming illustrations by Max Hamilton make me feel I could be friends with all of them.
Emiy, Dymocks Marketing Coordinator
The Stolen Prince of...
Jaclyn Moriarty
I really recommend you read Jaclyn Moriarty's book The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst because her descriptive writing is absolutely fantastic and wonderful. The next reason is that, even without the pictures, I could still visualise all of the lines. For example, I could visualise Esther running outside in the rain and throwing her face in to the mud, crying non-stop. Or another is the huge tidal wave at the stolen prince of Cloudburst's party. I really recommend you read this book!
Talia, 7, Kids' Reviews Competition winner
The Land of Stories: The...
I love this book so much. It has a lot of adventure and magic. It is really, really cool and the characters felt so real and touched my heart. I have read the whole series. The book takes fairytales and tells them in a whole new way. The book is amazing and I've told all my friends to read them. The books are going to be made into a movie soon too which is great. They take reading to a whole new magical level.
Charlotte, 8, Kids' Reviews Competition winner
Scarlet and Ivy (1) - The...
Sophie Cleverly
Scarlet and Ivy series are such interesting stories! It has mysteries, betrayal, action and everything! It talks about Rookwood School and evil teachers and with every book, the mystery gets deeper and deeper. I really enjoyed this series because new people come in every book, evil teachers are defeated and some parts relate to real life! I strongly believe Sophie Cleverly has a way with words! Lots of people could learn so many words from these books such as reverently, imperceptibly and many more. I highly recommend this book to all ages because there is always something to enjoy.
Jodie, 8, Kids' Reviews Competition winner
How to Bee
Bren MacDibble
How to Bee by Bren Macdibble is my favourite book. It is about a young girl called Peony, living in the countryside with her Grandpa and little sister. This story is set in a future without bees. Two kids on this large farm are "bees" and pollinate the fruit and flowers. This book has a powerful message: Be courageous. Stand tall. Never give up. I'm amazed at how strong the characters' personalities are. It's almost like I know them.
Rose, 10, Kids' Reviews Competition winner
Amari and the Night Brothers
B.B. Alston
This is a supernatural fictional tale with juicy bits in it. The pages sucked me in – almost quite literally. I loved the parts that made my body stay on the edge of my comfy position, like where Amari shakily says, "Dispel" to 'Moreau' – not. The book was so deep and juicy that I reluctantly set it down to do other stuff I had to do but I legit finished it in a day! Amari is a fun and strong character. The book gets 10 stars from me because it is an awesome novel for 7 to 10 year olds.
Safiya, 10, Kids' Reviews Competition winner
Amari and the Night Brothers is a wonderful whirlwind of an unexpected and supernatural adventure. The real magic of this book is the characters and their journeys; our fearless protagonist Amari is selfless and strong, displaying courage, her love for her brother, and an ability to rise above her personal struggles. A fantastic new series - watch this space!
The Last Bear
Hannah Gold, Levi Pinfold
April Wood, a young girl struggling to connect with her distant father, befriends and rescues Bear, a lonely polar bear trapped on an island due to the melting of the polar ice caps. This is a lovely story with a big heart and a powerful message, beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold.
Vanessa, Dymocks Bendigo
The World Between Blinks
Ryan Graudin, Amie Kaufman
The World Between Blinks sparkles with beautiful metaphors, thrilling landscapes, a little bit of love, and two brave, unforgettable protagonists. Follow Marisol and Jake as they try to find their way out of a world of lost things. Exploring the significance of memories and learning when to let go and when to hold on, I can guarantee you will want to read this over and over.
Lucy, Dymocks Busselton
Hollowpox: The Hunt for...
Jessica Townsend
The long wait is over, Hollowpox is finally here! I loved returning to the enchanting world of Nevermoor, and to the lively and beloved cast of characters that I have missed so dearly. Featuring some coincidental parallels with life in 2020, Hollowpox is jam-packed with so many twists and turns that you'll find it difficult not to read the book in one sitting. I just love how rich, vibrant and imaginative these stories are. Most importantly, I love how fun they are, and they evoke pleasant memories of reading as a kid. With each new release in this series, Jessica Townsend further proves that she is a force to be reckoned with.
Edyta, Dymocks Project Manager
Skydragon: Skydragon 1
Anh Do, James Hart
A life-changing event and a superhero communicating with animals... Needing to hide, the only place that might be safe enough for Amber is deep into the woods. What happens next? You'll have to read this action-packed adventure to find out!
Anne, Dymocks Children's Charities
Hello Jimmy!
Anna Walker
We love Anna Walker's tender-hearted picture books, and Hello Jimmy! is no exception. Beautifully written and illustrated in natural but joyful tones, this is a touching story of a young boy and his father, of what comes between them and what brings them together.
Nicola, Dymocks Sydney
A Clock of Stars: The Shadow...
Francesca Gibbons, Chris...
When Imogen follows a moth through a door in a tree and into a magical kingdom, she's put out to discover that she's been followed by her younger sister, Marie. Trapped on the wrong side of the door in a kingdom beset by monsters, the two sisters set out on an adventure to rescue the kingdom and get home to their own world. This fun fantasy adventure is perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Katherine Rundell (and anyone with a younger sibling!).
Sarah, Dymocks Sydney
What We'll Build
In this wonderful picture book filled with love, memories, hope and magic, Oliver Jeffers manages to steal your heart and capture your imagination. On each page, in every colour and every word, you'll start dreaming of ways to plan your 'together future' with loved ones.
E-Boy Book 1 E-Boy
Anh Do, Chris Wahl
I want Ethan's super power! It would be so cool to be able to look inside everything electrical and be able to reprogram computers with your mind. This book is a bit scary though, as it shows what can happen when AI robots get in the hands of the baddies. It's a story of good vs evil. I was a big fan our Anh Do's Weirdo series and I am glad he's now writing for bigger kids with Rise of the Mythix and E-Boy.
Jade, 11, Dymocks special guest reviewer
Bluey: The Beach: Winner of...
It doesn't get more cute, more entertaining, and more adorable than Bluey. Bluey is a very cheerful Blue Heeler who lives with her mum, dad and four-year-old sister Bingo. Join Bluey for a fun day at the beach. What will you discover along the way? This lift the flap book contains lots of fun surprises!
Captain Undepants: #1...
I love the Captain Underpants hardcovers in full colour! I love the bright pictures and the stories are silly and fun. Mum also likes the adult humour and we take turns reading to each other.
Bran, 6, Dymocks special guest reviewer
Dog Man #8: Fetch 22
Dogman is a story about a policeman who is half-dog and half-man. He has a dog head and cop body and great crime-fighting skills. I love this series because it has action all the way. Fetch-22 is my favourite book of the series so far because new animal characters are introduced which are tadpoles. If you want to laugh until you fart, this book is for you!
Violet, 7, Dymocks special guest reviewer
The Lion King: Movie Novel
The Lion King has been my absolute favourite book this year because it's a fun and adventurous book about lions and lions are one of my favourite animals. I especially love Azizi, the hyena because he and his friend are funny and sometimes very silly, they always make me laugh! I would definitely recommend this book to all animal lovers and I will definitely read this book again.
Jai, 9, Dymocks special guest reviewer
Wrecking Ball: Diary of a...
Jeff has done it again! I'm 12, but I still can't stop reading these books! Wrecking Ball is yet another great book, with the countless laughs the main highlight, while the reader still gets delivered an important message. This book is lots of fun and a highly enjoyable read, no matter what age you are!
Felix, 12, Dymocks special guest reviewer
Total Quack Up Again!
Dad's foul smelling morning breath + preventing an alien invasion + braving the messiest car in the world + a super cute puppy and a puddle of wee + a dad who thinks he's a dog + lots and lots of farts are just SOME of the funny stories in this book. It's hilarious.
Theo, 12, Dymocks special guest reviewer
The Monster Who Wasn't
T C Shelley
An enchanting story about finding where you belong, The Monster Who Wasn't is full of gargoyles, angels, ogres and adventure. Perfect for fantasy fans aged 9+.
Toffle Towers 1: Fully Booked
Tim Harris, James Foley
Think Fawlty Towers meets Treehouse. This is the first in a brand-new series by Tim Harris and will make kids laugh out loud! Can Chegwin use his daydreams to turn the boring hotel for adults into cheerful and fun place for kids? This is a great read for younger readers.
Interested in the children's fiction titles the Dymocks team are recommending right now? We've gathered reviews and recommendations from our staff on the children's fiction books they can't get enough of.