As the year progresses I’m finding I am getting more reading done, thanks in part to a change in pace and supported by my reacquaintance with my local library. In October I managed 17 books. They were:
Books for Kids
Mega Rich Guinea Pigs: Witless Protection , by Kate & Jol Temple (Harper Collins, 2026). Rich guinea pigs who have it all – until they are kidnapped by jealous humans. The Temples are funny, clever creators and I enjoyed dipping in to this series.
The Silken Thread, by Gabrielle Wang (Penguin Random House, 2025). I love former Australian Children’s Laureate Gabrielle Wang’s books. This one is no exception – set in 1930s Melbourne and also on Chongming Island, China, and a friendship between two children forged through a mystical silk thread.
Hunt for the Nighthawks, by Felice Arena (Penguin Books, 2026). Really enjoyed this ghost story involving a Roman ghost and a modern day crime.
Lottie, Pog and the Runaway Ghost, by Sally Rippin (Pan Macmillan, 2026). Another ghost story – this was an accidental theme this month. Loved Lottie and her blend of family and friends.
A Horse in a Tree, by Peter Cheong (Affirm Press, 2026). Part of the Your Next Read imprint, which is a wonderful series filling a much needed gap for young readers – high interest accessible stories.
Bandoola: an Elephant’s Story, by Beverley McWilliams (UWA Press, 2026). Not sure I’ve ever read a novel narrated in first person by an elephant, but now I have – and I really enjoyed it. The story is based on a true one, set in Burma during World War 2.
Somewhere You Can Dream, by Janeen Brian and Hilary Jean Tapper (Allen & Unwin, 2026). What a beautiful picture book, celebrating the places where children (and adults, too) can find freedom to dream.
Timeless, by Kelly Canby (Fremantle Press, 2025). Surprised myself when I realised I hadn’t read this one yet – I adore Kelly Canby (and her work) and this wasn’t an exception. Clever and quirky.
The Dream Keeper, by Anna Walker (Walker Books, 2026). Loved this one too – a gentle, whimsical tale of how fear is overcome by a dream.
The Girl and the Ghost, by Jacqueline Harvey (Penguin, 2025). And another ghost story – I didn’t set out to focus on ghost stories in October, but there was something Halloweeny in the air, I guess.
More Stories from Koala Hills Primary School, by Rachel Flynn, illustrated by Craig Smith (Puffin, 1992). From my reading pile – and, before that, a library discard trolley. Love the format of the story being told by different classmates, and school newsletters, too.
George, by Alex Gino (Scholastic, 2015). Again one that has been in my reading pile for far too long. I loved meeting Melissa, as she finds a way to share her true identity with the world.
Ruby Jones is Totally Awkward , by Rebecca McRitchie, illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez (Scholastic, 2026). Enjoyed this first instalment in a new series, meeting Ruby Jones as she navigates the first year of high school.
Ronia the Robber’s Daughter, by Astrid Lindgren (Puffin, 1985). From my long lasting to-read bookshelf. Loved it.
Books for Adults
Everything I Know About Writing, by John Marsden (Pan Macmillan, 1998). Have owned this for ages but not read it. Lots of good writing advice for young adults and adults, too.
Bright Burning Things, by Lisa Harding (Bloomsbury, 2021). It’s hard to say a book about addiction and trauma is enjoyable, but I found it compelling and raw.
The Cartographer, by Peter Twohig (Harper Collins, 2012). A lot going on here, and at times I found it hard going, but it was an intriguing story – set in Melbourne in 1959.
This brings my total for the year to date to 117. I didn’t have a numerical goal at the start of the year but I’m hopeful now that I’ll get to 150 by the end of the year.
I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading.
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