Kids' Reading Corner

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. Reviewed by Marija Charlton and Rebecca Jones.

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

Jonathan Stroud

Walker Books

Ages 13+

An account of daring exploits and audacious crimes. In a far-future lawless Britain after an assumed apocalypse, Scarlett survives on bank heists, her wits and her shoot-firstask-questions-later attitude. Then she meets Albert Browne, with a dark past and an even darker talent. The two must join forces and escape across the wilderness, avoiding strange and savage beasts – and deadly enemies who are close on their heels. RJ

The Boy and the Elephant

Freya Blackwood

HarperCollins

Ages 0–5

In a busy city, a lonely boy finds joy and comfort in a neighbourhood tree oasis. However, as progress arrives, he must think of a way to save his friends. This book is composed entirely of beautiful illustrations.

It is a deeply sensitive and soulful exploration of our connection to nature and each other. MC

Deltora Quest

21st Anniversary Edition

Emily Rodda

Scholastic

Ages 6–13

All eight books from series one are bound in this fabulous hardback edition. Leif, Barda and Jasmine are on a perilous quest to find the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. The kingdom of Deltora is ruled by an evil Shadow Lord and only when the belt is complete can his tyranny be defeated. Packed with maps, puzzles and hidden clues, readers are drawn into the children’s world to help find the lost gems. RJ