Our librarians list their favourite children’s books. How many have you read?
Book Week is a great chance to share with young people the joy of reading.
The shelves at Moonee Valley Libraries are teeming with wonderful stories, so we asked the team at the Sam Merrifield Library to name just a few of their favourites.
There are some real classics on the list!
Tam’s pick: Pippi Longstocking, written by Astrid Lindgren
“I went to Sweden when I was 10 and I saw the original movies in Swedish! It’s been translated in over 80 languages and it’s one of the best-selling children’s books in the world. And who doesn’t love a girl [strong enough to] carry a horse? Total feminist icon.”
Matt’s pick: Just Crazy, written by Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton
“I love everything by Andy Griffiths. This was the book that I read with my daughter over COVID. We also listened to it on audiobook, which is now available on Bolinda BorrowBox, narrated by the wonderful Stig Wemyss.”
Esther’s picks: My Name is Jemima, written by Olivia Muscat an illustrated by Allison Colpoys and Rabbit Soldier Angel Thief by Katrina Nannestad
“I couldn’t pick just one!
“My latest favourite is My Name is Jemima, which is by a local author and disability activist, Olivia Muscat, who’s local to Moonee Valley. And it’s about her guide dog.
“Another of my favourite writers of children’s books is Katrina Nannestad, who’s an Australian author. She writes about children caught up in conflict and they’re really moving and wonderful books.”
Lisa’s pick: Desert Jungle, written and illustrated by Jeannie Baker
“Jeannie Baker writes incredible books. She not only writes, but she also illustrates them using 3D collages. Often her books are wordless, so the children have to look for the narration. And I really like them because they teach children a lot about the environment and how to protect the environment, to make sure that we have wonderful nature for our future.”
You can search the catalogue for more titles on the Moonee Valley Libraries website.