Well read: the latest kids’ books for 2026

Book cover for The 113th Assistant Librarian Lost In A Book.
Explore a curated selection of the best new kids’ books for 2026, featuring adventure, humour, and heartwarming stories perfect for readers of all ages.

Check out the latest great reads for kids of all ages!


The 113th Assistant Librarian 2: Lost in a Book

Stuart Wilson

Oliver has settled into his life as the 113th assistant librarian. He loves his job – even though it sometimes includes battling giant crabs or fending off firedrakes – and his new friend, the mostly-human Agatha, is always on hand to help.

But when he discovers a rare edition of a history book with unique wording, he realises the slightest misinterpretation could endanger the entire kingdom. Determined to solve this mystery, he and Agatha leave the library – with the help of an unpredictable transporting book – to establish the truth. But can they prevent Annabel Clowritch, the esteemed Member for Upper-Lower Tumbledown Barrows, from using the text to her own advantage . . . and stop a war?

RRP $19.99 | Penguin


Book cover for The Court Of The Dead.

From the World of Percy Jackson: The Court of the Dead (The Nico Di Angelo Adventures)

Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

From #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan and award-winning author Mark Oshiro comes a new adventure featuring two of the most popular characters from the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

It’s been three months since demigod boyfriends Nico di Angelo and Will Solace returned from Tartarus, and there hasn’t been a single quest for them in all that time. So, when Nico’s half sister Hazel asks them to come to Camp Jupiter to help with an ‘issue’, Nico shadow-jumps at the chance to do something.

What Hazel didn’t tell the boys is that she’s providing a haven for a group of monsters who’ve escaped the Underworld! Apparently, during Nico and Will’s trip to the Underworld, they showed the monsters that they don’t have to be evil – that the monsters have options.

But then the monsters start disappearing from the camp and it’s clear a dark force is at work – and Nico, Will and Hazel are shocked to find that they’re connected to it . . .

RRP $27.99 | Penguin


Book cover for Mullets
by Nick Sharratt.

Mullets

Nick Sharratt

A HAIR-larious celebration of the iconic hairstyle.

Let’s spend a while on Mullet Isle! Everyone there has SPECIAL hair! A rollicking rhyming celebration of the mighty mullet.

From the illustrator of the multi-million-copy bestselling You Choose series.

RRP $19.99 | Penguin


Book cover for Sundays Under the Lemon Tree by 
Julia Busuttil Nishimura, illustrated by Myo Yim.

Sundays Under the Lemon Tree

Julia Busuttil Nishimura, illustrated by Myo Yim

A heartwarming picture book celebrating family, tradition, and culinary adventures.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura, known for her acclaimed cookbooks and heartwarming food stories, teams up with talented illustrator Myo Yim for their debut picture book collaboration, Sundays Under the Lemon Tree. The book, filled with family moments and culinary discovery, will captivate readers of all ages.

Sundays Under the Lemon Tree follows a young child’s memorable Sunday, with the smells and sounds of family cooking, the adventure of collecting seawater to make ricotta, and the triumph of learning to bake a special family apple cake. Busuttil Nishimura’s prose and Yim’s illustrations bring to life the comforting rituals and loving bonds that make Sundays special.

RRP $24.99 | Scribe Publications


Book cover for There's a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids' Guide to Australia's Amazing Democracy Annabel Crabb, illustrated by First Dog on the Moon.

There’s a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids’ Guide to Australia’s Amazing Democracy

Annabel Crabb, illustrated by First Dog on the Moon

A funny and informative account of how Australia’s democracy works, written for kids by one of Australia’s best-known and most entertaining political writers and documentary makers, Annabel Crabb – host of top-rating ABC series The House, Kitchen Cabinet and Back in Time for Dinner. Helpful and hilarious illustrations supplied by First Dog on the Moon, Australia’s only marsupial Walkley award-winning cartoonist.

Perfect for kids in year 5 and 6 studying how Australia’s government works, political writer and commentator Annabel Crabb explores, explains and examines Australia’s unique democracy from the smallest shrimp to the largest coathanger with help from Guardian Australia cartoonist First Dog on the Moon.

AUD $24.99 | Allen & Unwin


Book cover for Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton.

Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping

Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton

Six weeks have passed since Annie Shearer and Runt competed valiantly at the Krumpets Dog Show.

The town of Upson Downs is rejuvenated. The grass is green. The rivers are flowing. And a Tournament of Champions has just been announced, with the world’s best canine talent invited to showcase their skills in the Grand Ballroom of the abandoned Robert-Barren estate.

But as preparations for the event get underway, Runt mysteriously goes missing, and a trail of suspicious clues surround his doghouse. Annie’s worst fears are confirmed when she discovers a ransom note with a peculiar demand: she must win it all to see her friend again.

It’s up to Annie and her brother Max – now an intrepid investigative reporter with the Upson Downs Speculator – to rescue Runt before it’s too late.

AUD $26.99 | Allen & Unwin


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