Allan Ahlberg obituary
Writer of books such as Each Peach Pear Plum and Peepo! capturing a child’s outlook with his illustrator wife Janet
‘We think Princess Pearl is a feminist icon’: readers’ favourite Julia Donaldson books
Characters who challenge stereotypes, stories that stimulate little ones’ vocabulary, endless laughter … and moments guaranteed to make any dad cry. Here are your takes on the work of a beloved children’s author
Summer reading: the 50 hottest books to read now
From dazzling debuts to unmissable memoirs, prize-winning novels to page-turning histories … Plus our pick of paperbacks and children’s fiction
The Guardian view on the Gruffalo: a well-timed comeback, wart and all
Editorial: The next challenge for Julia Donaldson’s monster is to get its claws into parents and persuade more of them to read aloud
Beegu review – Alexis Deacon’s mellow yellow alien adventure hits the stage
Rejected by adults, the far-from-home heroine is embraced by cheering children in Debbie Hannan’s comical show
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
Sleepy monsters; a wacky broken robot; a search for magical treasures and more
Bestselling Australian Bad Guys author Aaron Blabey signs eight-figure deal for seven new books
First title of series for tweens titled Game of Pets will be fantasy story to debut in 2026
Picture books for children – reviews
Laughter abounds with tales of mini beasts at bedtime, a box filled with babbling babies and an odd-couple comedy from Julia Donaldson
From The Sheep-Pig to His Dark Materials: the best audiobooks for children and teens
As research reveals children want to listen to books rather than read them, here are some of the best audiobooks to enjoy
Magic Beach: how the beloved picture book became a spell-binding animation
Alison Lester’s 90s bestseller now has a big-screen adaptation from the director of The Dry, featuring 10 animated adventures by 10 different artists
Jean Adamson obituary
Children’s author and illustrator best known for the Topsy and Tim books
The best children’s and YA books of 2024
From a boy on a snowy midnight adventure to a gothic family caper via a young offender inspired by poetry, our critics pick their favourite titles of the year
The Borrowers review – Arrietty and co’s awfully wordy adventure
With a cumbersome script and no sense of danger or atmosphere, this production loses its way
Well Done, Mummy Penguin review – Antarctic antics warm the heart
This is a sprightly adaptation of Chris Haughton’s popular book, adding circus skills, projections and BSL
Australian Christmas kids’ gift guide 2024: 60 great ideas for babies, toddlers, kids and tweens
Our discerning writers and editors have searched high and low for the best (and budget-conscious) children’s Christmas presents for this holiday season