Kid’s Reading Corner June/July

With so many great kids’ and young adult titles out there, it helps to have a recommendation from the experts. Here are this month’s top picks from Telling Tales: Scorpio Children’s Books .

The Lighthouse Princess

Susan Wardell

Illustrated by Rose Northey

Picture Puffin

Ages 0–6

A princess lives in a tower by the sea. She isn’t sad, and she isn’t stuck. She looks after the light that shines at night to keep ships safe.

She saves a boy from drowning and their friendship grows as they fish off the balcony, make art and look after the light.

Winner of the Storylines Gavin Bishop Award, this beautifully illustrated story of independence and friendship will fast become a Kiwi favourite with whimsical NZ icons to look for on every page.

The Secret of Haven Point

Lisette Auton

Puffin

Ages 7–11

A charming tale of found families and mermaids. Alpha Lux – the first Wreckling – found inside a Lux soap box, was the first baby washed up on the shores of Haven Point.

Now there are 42 Wrecklings, so called because they make their living looting passing ships, with a little magical help from a mermaid clan and a lighthouse keeper with a kitten in his beard.

A magically lyrical adventure with strong disabled characters.

The Boy Behind the Wall

Maximillian Jones

Allen & Unwin

Ages 12+

In 1960s Berlin, the wall is everywhere. It cuts through streets, parks and even houses. Teenagers Harry and Jakob live on either side of the divide and become friends through sending letters secretly over the wall.

Evading the authorities becomes increasingly difficult, especially as Jakob plans to cross to the West and wants Harry’s help to do it.

Action-packed and a wonderful insight into life without freedoms we easily take for granted.

For more great reads, visit scorpiobooks.co.nz