Character actors: Australia’s children celebrate 80 years of Book Week
What began in 1945 as a way to promote reading has turned into a highlight of the school year, with children dressing up in outfits inspired by their favourite books
My kids may be in terribly crafted costumes, but the real magic of Book Week is in the pages
In a world of shrinking attention spans and falling literacy rates, this celebration of books might be more important than ever
Andy Griffiths: ‘I think it’s a pity that reading is being lost through neglect’
The multimillion copy-selling children’s author on his freewheeling childhood, the joy of being unproductive and life after the Treehouse series
Maurice Gee obituary
New Zealand author who wrote about his country’s darker side and was best known for his Plumb trilogy of novels
Stephen Mangan: ‘With three people in a bed, who goes in the middle?’
The Split actor and children’s author on throuples, using his sons as a focus group, and running the London marathon
Children and teens roundup – the best new chapter books
A classic Yeti romp with 28 possible endings, a Blade Runner-style thriller and more adventures on the Thames with Jessie Burton
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
Pig Heart Boy review – lively staging of Malorie Blackman’s stimulating novel
Winsome Pinnock adapts the story of a teenager whose heart transplant causes controversy but the comedy drowns out the issues
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new chapter books
From ecology-saving zombies to a murderous tattoo and a chilly new school for magic, the new year launches with fresh twists on familiar themes
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 Guardian view on Christmas shows: they are fairy tales for our times
From Ballet Shoes to Wicked, stories of female empowerment and friendship are triumphing on stage and screen
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