Series from Santa!

Can you believe it’s nearly Christmas again, already?! But what to buy for children and teenagers who often seem to have so much? Surely not more plastic and electronics.

Okay, you’ve got the right idea - a book - yet how to choose from the sea of books available? Young readers know what they enjoy, but it’s not always the same thing Mum, Granddad, or Great Aunt Carol have in mind. So, take it from us, the book series listed here are ones every young reader would be happy to see in their Christmas stocking or under the tree this holiday season.

Hot off the press!  Browse these newly-minted series...

Emerging Readers (ages 5–7)

The Cleo Stories by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood:  Colourfully illustrated throughout, these gentle, appealing and authentic stories are perfect for transitioning young readers between picture and chapter books. Each book contains two adventures about Cleo—an imaginative, curious and fun character, whose relatable adventures about growing up and navigating the world around her will resonate with readers aged 5+.


Mango and Bambang by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy: This new collection of four short stories features Mango Allsorts and her extraordinary new pal, Bambang, the Asian Tapir (who is definitely not a pig). The tales of these unlikely friends are accompanied by charming black-and-white illustrations making them perfect for newly confident readers aged 7+.


Danny Best by Jen Storer and Mitch Vane: Danny Best is the star of a brand new series in the style of Tom Gates but with a twist of uniquely Australian humour. He’s always been pretty sure he’s a hero and, now, it’s confirmed! Punchy, imaginative text and energetic cartoons ensure that this confident character will become a fast favourite with readers aged 7+.

Middle Grade Readers (ages 8–10)

Welcome to the Museum by Various Authors: An exceptionally beautiful series of large format, richly illustrated “virtual museums” filled with fascinating facts, exhibits and specimens. While nature lovers, art fanciers and history buffs of almost any age will find something to learn and love in this series, they’re designed particularly with readers aged 8+ in mind.


Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan: The Sword of Summer is the first in a thrilling new fantasy-adventure series steeped in the mystical world of Norse mythology. Fans of Riordan’s hugely popular Percy Jackson series will find themselves in familiar territory here, but with a host of new characters – both mortal and divine – to explore. Magnus Chase offers enthralling, intelligent action for readers aged 9+.


Theophilus Grey by Catherine Jinks: Theophilus Grey and the Demon Thief is the first half of a new historical mystery duolgy, set amongst the dank allies of eighteenth-century London. Twelve-year-old Theophilus must utilise his network of young spies to face off against secrets, spells and sinister nemeses. Jinks’ use of historical language makes this a challenging but thoroughly immersive series for confident readers aged 10+.
 

Early Teen Readers (ages 11–13) 

 

Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt: A classic of Dutch literature, it’s taken more than fifty years to see the second instalment of this enchanting historical series translated into English but, truly, it is worth the wait! Dragt’s carefully imagined world of kings and knights, chivalry, and magic will surely inspire devotion in readers aged 11+ who love adventure and medieval history.


Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: With one acclaimed series under her belt, Bardugo has stormed the YA literary world with a thrilling new series set in the same fantasy world as her earlier novels. While it’s not necessary to have read The Grisha beforehand, readers may wish to revisit it while they wait for the second instalment of Six of Crows due out later next year. High-stakes heists, riveting action and just a touch of romance make this follow-up pure reading pleasure for fantasy fanatics aged 13+.


The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: It seems every summer there’s an ‘it-book’ which inevitably tops every YA blogger’s ‘to-be-read’ list. In 2015, that honour is bestowed upon lluminae, the first in a highly anticipated new series which can best be described as good old-fashioned sci-fi… with zombies… and our favourite ‘will-they-won’t-they?’ romance of the year. 9-out-of-10 bloggers agree: readers aged 13+ should read it. Read it now.

Young Adult Readers (ages 14+)

Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley: Whenever a book is described by its publisher as “Neil Gaiman meets John Green”, we’re a little sceptical but – in the case of this remarkable YA debut – these are entirely justified comparisons. While there’s only one book in the series so far, there’s a sequel due next year so fans will have something to look forward to. With a thoroughly quirky plot and charming prose, readers aged 14+ will adore the blend of fantasy and realism Magonia has to offer.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown: Dystopian fiction is not going away – that’s a fact—and one we’re pretty happy about, since authors keep rustling up killer ideas for societies gone mad with power and greed. What’s so refreshing about Pierce Brown’s Red Rising trilogy is the strong political statement it makes about inequality and the distribution of wealth. This is smart, engaging and original dystopian sci-fi and, you can bet your bottom dollar, readers aged 14+ will be hooked.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon: Critics heaped praise upon The Bone Season when it was released in 2013 and it’s easy to see why: a compelling heroine who happens to be clairvoyant is kidnapped by a secret society determined to harness her powers for their own shadowy purposes. And did we mention the year is 2059? The sequel is just as riveting and, with five more instalments planned, The Bone Season series is pure futuristic fantasy with a mysterious edge that readers aged 14+ are going to love.

 And just to keep them reading...

During the last few months, many well-established series have added new books to their number. If you’d like to explore some longer running series that will provide hours of holiday reading no matter what the age level, here are some recommendations with new releases:

Emerging Readers

Elephant and Piggie - ages 5+
Samurai vs Ninja - ages 6+
Alice-Miranda - ages 7+
Stuff Happens - ages 7+

Middle Grade Readers

Treehouse - ages 8+
Big Nate -  ages 8+
Do you Dare? - ages 8+
Our Australian Girl - ages 8+
Friday Barnes - ages 9+
Blackwell Pages - ages 9+
Dork Diaries - ages 9+
The Caddy Kids - ages 9+ 
All the Wrong Questions - ages 9+
Thickety - ages 10+
Princess Academy - ages 10+

Early Teen Readers

Chronoptika (Obsidian Mirror) -  ages 11+
The Lockwood and Co - ages 11+
Maximum Ride - ages 11+
Lorien Legacies - ages 12+
Throne of Glass - ages 13+
The Wandering Son - ages 13+ (Graphic Novel)

Young Adult Readers

Lone City - ages 14+
The Selection - ages 14+
Every - ages 14+

Wishing you a joyous & festive season from Cereal Readers!

Kara Smith

Kara's Holiday Reading Guide

In the southern hemisphere, summer is warming up! Attack your growing pile of ‘been meaning to read’ books, or embark on one of the new children and teen series out this year—Kara's made it easy for you with her favourites list from 2014.

Long, leisurely days stretch out before you like the golden sand on a vast beach. It’s holiday time and there are a couple of ways this could go down:  you could sleep until midday, while away the afternoons playing video games or browsing social media, then commit your evenings to trashy TV until it’s time to return to the weekday grind. Or .... you could read a mountain of books. Read the books that have been gathering dust on your bedside table. Read the books that you’ve renewed (three times) from the library or promised your friend you’d return...soon. Read novels and essays and poems or even a whole series! Do it. Read a book.

Just in case you’re in need of fresh ideas for this holiday season, here are a few suggestions for young readers of all ages. Coincidentally, the list acts as something of a round-up of our favourite new series for the year. Is there something here that you’ve been meaning to get your hands on? Now’s the time to do it—go ahead, read a book!

Readers aged 5-7 years

Squishy McFluff by Pip Jones & Ella Okstad: This will appeal especially to animal-loving kids with bright imaginations aged 5+. Fun rhyming verse and soft pastel illustrations make for a nice transition between picture and chapter books. 

Lulu by Judith Viorst: Children aged 6+ with a mischievous nature and a good sense of humour will find much to relate to in Judith Viorst’s young heroine, Lulu. The quirky illustrations featured throughout are by Lane Smith and Kevin Cornell.

Weir Do by Anh Do: Sweet and very funny stories about a boy doing his best to fit in, written by one of Australia’s best-loved comedians. Just perfect for strong readers aged 6+ who are still a little too young for Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Atticus Claw by Jennifer Gray: The hilarious adventures of cat-burglar-turned-detective, Atticus Claw. Running between 220 and 250 pages each, these are great for kids aged 7+ or slightly older reluctant readers who like a little mystery in their chapter books.

Readers aged 8-10 years

Frank Einstein by Jon Scieszka: An irresistible blend of science and adventure make this the perfect series for curious young minds aged 8+. With Scieszka’s trademark zany humour, fans of Andy Griffith’s Treehouse series are bound to feel right at home.

Mister Max by Cynthia Voigt: This finely crafted series of pitch-perfect historical mysteries is complete with elegant black-and-white illustrations and a uniquely Victorian flavour. Voigt once again provides quality literature for confident young readers aged 8+.  

Mapmaker Chronicles by A.L. Tait: The first in a thrilling medieval series about exploration and adventure, Tait’s young adult debut bears a resemblance to the ever-popular Ranger’s Apprentice series. Readers 9+ who enjoy action, adventure and history will devour these.

Caddy Kids by N.J. Gemmel: The delightful adventures of four wilful siblings from Australia who are unexpectedly thrust into the care of their eccentric English uncle. With wry humour and quirky characters evocative of Lemony Snicket, these are simply perfect for readers 10+.

 Readers aged 11-13 years

 

Through My Eyes by Various Authors: A moving and informative series which explores the lives of children living in contemporary war zones. These books sensitively and tastefully introduce serious social themes while remaining age appropriate for readers aged 11+.

Riverman by Aaron Starmer: Magical realism with a twist of folklore, Riverman harks back to the early work of Neil Gaiman or Colin Meloy’s Wildwood series. Eerie and intriguing, the trilogy explores some heavy topics but is recommended for mature-minded readers aged 12+.

Maze Runner by James Dashner: While the dystopian genre has been less prominent in 2014, we can’t ignore this classic series recently revitalised by an excellent film adaptation. Action, competition and an evil dictatorship will have most boys and many girls aged 12+ engrossed.

Girl Online by Zoe “Zoella” Sugg: The first in a planned series by YouTube celebrity and style-icon Zoella, this contemporary romance tells a coming-of-age story for the digital generation. This is sweet and easy YA fiction – a perfect holiday read for girls aged 13+.

Readers aged 14+

Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin: Mara Dyer awakens from a coma with no memory of the events preceding her hospitalisation but that’s only the beginning of her nightmare. A dark mystery with a twist of horror and, of course, a love story will suit teen girls aged 14+.

Winger by Andrew Smith:  Realistic fiction with a likeable male protagonist barely exists as a genre but this is a great example of how it can to be done! Teens aged 14+ will relate to the precarious balance between school, sport, family, friends and a blossoming new romance.

Split Second by Sophie McKenzie: A contemporary thriller packed with high-voltage action and a web of dangerous conspiracies. A safe bet for both males and females aged 14+ due to the dual-character narration which offers alternating perspectives from both protagonists.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: In this smart apocalyptic drama, humanity is decimated by an alien invasion which bears little resemblance to the various Hollywood versions. Tough, resourceful characters and thrilling plot twists make it a perfect series to entertain teens 14+.

Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski: Set in a richly imagined new world, this is a story of romance, rumours and rebellion, where dirty secrets and careless alliances can be deadly. Everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart. 5-spoons!

And that’s the list! I hope you've discovered a new series to share with a hungry young reader—or to sink your own teeth into—because filling your mind with new adventures is the very best way to get the most out of your holidays! To paraphrase that bastion of popular fiction, George R.R. Martin: readers live a thousand lives but those who choose not to read...live only one. So, how many lives can you cram into your holiday break?

On behalf of the Cereal Readers team, we wish you a merry Christmas—and a year ahead filled with many, many hours of happy reading.

Kara Smith