My favourite books I discovered in 2014

I had another wonderful year reading many great children’s titles. Here are my top picks. They may not have been published in 2014, but I read them this year and fell in love with them.

Picture books

The Mighty Lalouche

by Matthew Olshan (Author), Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

I love this book because it works on so many levels. Set in Paris, Lalouche is a postman, but when electric cars replace his job he turns to boxing to make a living. He is nimble and small, yet mighty.

Why it works?
It has an adult main character, but children will relate to being overlooked because of their small size. Lalouche doesn’t give up. The boxing is child-friendly punch ups and you want to barrack for Lalouche! Great history lessons at the end of the book. The illustrations are whimsical of Paris.

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Spork

by Kyo Maclear (Author), Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)

Spork’s mum is a spoon and his dad is a fork. They love him just as he is, but the other cutlery don’t see where he fits as he is neither a spoon or a fork.

Why it works?

Children will relate to their parents loving them for who they are, but struggling to fit in socially and the attempts Spork goes to connect with the other cutlery. I love that the book doesn’t paint over the lows of the character, yet Spork finds his own special place in the world when he is the only one who can help. Great twist at the end!

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Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

by Anna Kemp (Author), Sara Ogilvie (Illustrator)

Biff is a dog who doesn’t do dog stuff and all he wants to do is ballet.

Why it works?

A dog who is dog-darned determined to be a ballet dancer. Children will benefit from the resilience to keep going when everything tells you should give up.

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Early chapter books/Early Junior Fiction

Friday Barnes: Girl Detective

by R.A. Spratt

My new favourite series of books. Friday is a very mature girl who solves a bank robbery and uses the reward money to send herself to the most exclusive school, Highcrest Academy. On arrival, Highcrest is a crime hot-bed and there are many mysteries for Friday to solve.

Why it works?

Great character name – Friday! Friday is smart, but socially awkward with a dead pan sense of humour. She doesn’t compromise on who she is, what she wears (I love her hat) and she finds her own feet at school. Friday has one great friend and roommate Melanie, a fantastic arch nemesis in Ian Wainscott, a supportive uncle, clueless scientist parents and many mysteries to solve, including a Yeti. I can’t wait to read book two, Under Suspicion. Watch out Sherlock Holmes!

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Jake in Space: Moon Attack

by Candice Lemon-Scott

Another great series. Moon Attack is the first in a series of six books to be released in 2014 and 2015. Jake is sent to remedial driving school on the moon when he has failed his license again.

Why it works?

Kids will love the fact that young boys and girls learn to drive space crafts much earlier than they are allowed to in real life. They will love summer camp, but set on the moon and that people now live on other planets in the solar system. It is fast paced, fun and a great mystery for Jake to solve.

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Older Junior Fiction

My Life is an Alphabet

by Barry Jonsberg

Candice Phee is a 12 year old girl and she is asked to submit a journal based on the 26 letters of the alphabet. Candice is the glue that holds her family together and brings joy to those around her through all the ups and downs in her life.

Why it works?

Candice is a strong, caring character that is well developed, quirky and yet relatable to all people. Despite being a misfit, she doesn’t see it that way in her world and she does what she can for those around her. I love the recount style of the book and each journal entry has a fully developed storyline and idea. Funny and poignant, a great read.

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Young Adult

The Fault in our Stars

by John Green

Hazel has terminal cancer, but has received treatment which has extended her life. At a Cancer Kids Support Group Hazel meets her best friend Augustus Waters.

Why it works?

Just read my whole blog post dedicated to it.


So what were your top reads for this year?

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