Six books make Better Reading’s Top 50 Kids Books 2021!
We are pleased to announce that we have six books that have made the 2021 Better Reading Top 50 Kids’ Books, including two in the top ten! This list is decided each year by kids, parents, teachers, and librarians.
6. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.
A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.”
Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake … and a hungry Gruffalo!
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a best-selling phenomenon across the world with over 13.5 million copies sold. This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come. No home should be without The Gruffalo! This edition features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson and Scheffler fans – big and small!
8. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
“How the cat purred and how the witch grinned,
As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.”
The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. Luckily, they are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, who are all keen for a ride on the broom. It’s a case of the more, the merrier, but the broomstick isn’t used to such a heavy load and it’s not long before… SNAP! It breaks in two! And with a greedy dragon looking for a snack, the witch’s animal pals better think fast.
A very funny story of quick wits and friendship, The Room on the Broom is another smash hit from the unparalleled picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.
20. The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
The first instalment of the bestselling Treehouse series from the punk rock stars of Australian children’s literature
“Extremely enjoyable, very funny and easy to read!” The Guardian
“The silliest, craziest most awesome stories ever” K-Zone
Andy and Terry’s 13-storey treehouse is the most amazing treehouse in the world! It’s got a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of man-eating sharks, a giant catapult, a secret underground laboratory and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you’re hungry.
Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!
23. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
How I long to sail!” said the tiny snail.
One little snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it’s the tiny snail’s big plan that saves the day.
The Snail and the Whale is a delightful tale of adventure and friendship by the unparalleled picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. This edition features the classic story with a stunning, redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson and Scheffler fans – big and small!
32. Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
“The best series for Australian teens of all time.” The Age
“Compulsively readable” New York Times
“Australia’s king of young adult fiction” The Australian
Somewhere out there Ellie and her friends are hiding. They’re shocked, they’re frightened, they’re alone. Their world has changed, with the speed of a slamming door.
They’ve got no weapons – except courage. They’ve got no help – except themselves. They’ve got nothing – except friendship.
How strong can you be, when the world is full of people trying to kill you?
48. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
‘I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet . . .’
Rod Campbell’s classic lift-the-flap book Dear Zoo has been a firm favourite with toddlers and parents alike ever since it was first published in 1982.
Young children will love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent – a monkey, a lion and even an elephant! But will they ever manage to send the perfect pet?
With bright, bold artwork, a catchy refrain and a whole host of favourite animals, no child’s bookcase is complete without a well-worn copy of Dear Zoo.