5 Must-Have Kids books to wrap up this Christmas

Kids books that are sure to be a hit this Christmas!

There’s a special kind of magic that comes with a book wrapped under the Christmas tree. If you’re looking to give a gift that truly lasts, look no further. We’ve handpicked 5 incredible kids books that are guaranteed to become cherished favourites this holiday season.

For the Kid Who Loves Cosy Crime:

A Murder Is Going Down

By Kate Emery

Looking for a gripping gift for a teen reader who loves to play detective? Look no further than A Murder is Going Down by the award-winning Queen of Cosy Crime Kate Emery. Heidi is stuck in a faulty elevator. To pass the time, she tells the story of her older brother Felix's suspicious death. What really happened to Felix? And who is the person stuck in the elevator with Heidi? Perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson, this twisty, contemporary mystery full of snark, drama and plenty of red herrings to keep readers aged 12 and up guessing until the very last page.

For the Kid Who Loves Fantasy:

The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe

By Karen Foxlee

For those readers that love to disappear into a world of sweeping fantasy and high-seas adventure, don’t miss The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe by multi-award-winning author Karen Foxlee (Lenny’s Book of Everything, Dragon Skin). The story follows Lavender, a young pickpocket snatched from the wharf and forced to disguise herself as a boy named Hans aboard a cursed pirate ship. The crew are on a desperate voyage - to find and return stolen treasure before all those who sail within the ship are turned to sand. Lavender included.

This inventive, magical quest is a rollicking adventure about finding family, discovering your own power, and the stories that bind us together. Perfect for independent readers aged 9 and up who love imaginative tales like Nevermoor.

For the Kid Who Loves Mystery (and the Adult Who’s a Kid at Heart):

Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping 

By Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton

For a holiday gift that combines mystery, heart, and laugh-out-loud moments, you can’t go past Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping by Craig Silvey, with gorgeous illustrations by Sara Acton. In this highly anticipated sequel to the multi-award-winning Runt, the charming town of Upson Downs is preparing to host a grand Tournament of Champions when Annie Shearer's beloved dog, Runt, mysteriously vanishes. With a ransom note demanding Annie win the entire competition to get her best friend back, it’s up to her and her brother Max to solve the puzzle and rescue Runt before it’s too late. Endlessly charming, deeply funny and bursting with heart, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping is a modern Australian classic: the perfect, feel-good read for the whole family (recommended for ages 9 to 99).

For the Kid Who Loves to Learn:

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

By Annabel Crabb, illustrated by First Dog on the Moon

For a book that's both funny and genuinely educational, we recommend There's a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids' Guide to Australia's Amazing Democracy by Annabel Crabb. Narrated by a tiny, 350-million-year-old coral fossil living in Parliament House called Shawn the Prawn, this book tackles what can be a dry subject with hilarious ease. Crabb, one of Australia’s most engaging political journalists, explains everything from how a bill becomes law to the Constitution and preferential voting, all brought to life with witty cartoons by First Dog on the Moon. It's a perfect gift for curious kids (recommended for ages 8+) that will help them understand what makes our unique system of government tick.

For the Kid with Unlimited Imagination:

Where Would You Go?

By Alison Lester and Jane Godwin

Where Would You Go? is a truly special project. The picture book dream team of Alison Lester and Jane Godwin have partnered with the children of Yalingbu Yirramboi – The Royal Children's Hospital School to create a magical adventure where the hospital’s children wonder where everyone at the hospital might go – the doctors, the nurses, the teachers, and even themselves. It’s a sweet story about dreaming and coming home for kids aged 3 to 8. And every cent of the royalties from the sale of Where Would You Go? supports Yalingbu Yirramboi – The Royal Children's Hospital School.

You can find all these fabulous kids books at your favorite bookshops right now!