Book Bites: YNR Silver Series


When an adult picks up a junior fiction chapter book and is transported back to a time when nothing else mattered but page turning until the end, you know you're on a winner. Why? Because for me, that time, when I was so utterly absorbed by books my surroundings, time and even food failed to penetrate my intense committment to story, was one of the most joyous in my life. 

The Silver Series of chapter books aimed at youngsters between the ages of five to nine not only fuelled that transportation, it actually made me feel like one of those book-loving kids again; like I was nine. This cleverly curated ensemble of engaging stories for kids however is first and foremost that; for kids not a wannabe kid again! And it does so with carefully considered intelligence. So far, I've enjoyed the first three. All sport bright inviting covers, clear theme discriptions and ... joy of joys ... rounded edges! I'm not sure why I like that but feel sure kids with differing tactile sensitivites will find it appealing.

The stories themselves are crafted by some of Australia's finest kids' lit creators. Each narrative is festooned with line drawn greyscale illustrations, at least one per page spread, sometimes enveloping a full or double page spread for emphasis. Although illustrated by different individuals, the imagery never detracts rather supports the stories' direction and scene breaks. This symbiotic pairing of visual literacy with language feels natural and unforced, again a boon for newly independant readers and those reluctant readers easily offput by huge chunks of typeface. 

But what about the themes? Well, this is a glorious rainbow of something-for-everyone kinda series. Subject matter is grouped in recognisable themes each with their own silver medallion-like label: animals, mysteries, funny stories, school based adventures, action, history, fantasy, science fiction, spooky stories and so on ... a vertible cornucopia of choice! And here's the clever bit: discerning readers are happily catered for alongside less generic-based ones thanks to the coding symbols and choice. At the end of each novel, readers are invited to decipher their next read, because they don't know what they might like, right! A short multiple choice questionnaire gently guides them towards their 'next read' which consequently encourgages exploration of other themes they had not thought to read about before. Genius. 

But then, I wouldn't have expected anything less from the brains' trust superstars behind this conception: Your Kids' Next Read - Allison Tait, Allison Rushby and Megan Daley. If you want to introduce your child to a life long love of reading in a super inviting, next level engagement, don't care about what's for dinner kind of way, include these in their library bag or on their bookshelf. 

Here's a quick round up of the three I've woofed down thus far: 


The Lonely Lunch Club

Themes addressing friendship, social issues, and school situations with humorous overtones. Introducing discussions around feelings of guilt, loneliness and kindness. Plus spider appreciation! Loved this.


The Missing Pencil Case

A jolly little mystery centering around family, friendship and goodwill. Imbued with diversity and societal awareness thanks characterisation and setting choices. 


Bea, Bart and the Birds

This one's an intriguing little foray into crime, twisted endings, animals and families of a slightly different elk where although the siblings take on the role of heroes quite convincingly, the birds themselves deserve equal billing. High paced fun.

Available through Simon & Schuster, Affirm Press (imprint publisher) or the YKNR website! 





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