Read alouds, picture books and online stories – these are 10 of the best-loved kids’ books in January on the Nooksy App

Awesome clocks, formidable grannies and spectacular “monstersaurs”. These are the most loved, most shared, highest-rated and most common themes for kids' books in January from the Nooksy children’s books collection. 

10 Best-Loved Kids Books in January

5 Most-Read Kids Books in January

How to hug a Cactus

By:
Emily S. Smith, Aleksandra Szmidt

How do you hug a cactus?I’d really like to know.You see, I love my cactus,and my hugs will help it grow.A young girl explores the possibilities of hugging her most favourite plant, a cactus. With a little help from her family members and a gardening guru, she tries a number of solutions to help solve her prickly problem, all with varying degrees of success. How to Hug a Cactus is a story that will ‘stick’ with many readers.

Stop the Clock

By:
Maria Christania, Pippa Goodhart

On his dash to school, Joe is missing all the exciting things happening around him. In school, Mr Khan, the teacher, asks everyone to draw everything they saw on their way to school. Joe decides he must stop time to examine everything he saw and figure out why his sister was crying so much. Soon, literally, and metaphorically, things become much clearer, as Joe learns to appreciate the importance of taking his time and noticing what is happening around him.

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Stop the Clock
 now

I Can Be Kind

By:
Amanda Appiarius, Heather Lester

"Changing the world isn't easy, but it's easy to start with you."In I Can Be Kind, Alice learns she can make this BIG world a BETTER world through small acts of kindness and helping others.

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I Can Be Kind
 now

My Shadow is Pink

By:
Scott Stuart

My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity.Inspired by the author’s own little boy, ‘Shadow’s’ main character likes princesses, fairies and things ‘not for boys’... he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide.This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.

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My Shadow is Pink
 now

My Shadow is Purple

By:
Scott Stuart

My Dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, and my Mum’s is as pink as a blossoming cherry. There’s only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it’s both and it’s none.A heartwarming and inspiring book about being true to yourself, by best-selling children’s book creator Scott Stuart. This story considers gender beyond binary in a vibrant spectrum of colour.

5 Highest-Rated Kids Books in January

My Gran does Karate

By:
Anna Demchenko, Michel Deverall

My Gran does Karate. She knows how to block and chop and how to kick and spin.Don’t let her wrinkles and old skinny bones fool you - my Gran is REALLY strong!This legendary lady is about to HII-YAH her way into your heart and show you what grannies are really made of.But who will be in the firing line when Gran chops and blocks her way all over town?

Pink

By:
Lynne Rickards, Margaret Chamberlain

"What's a penguin to think when he wakes up PINK?" Patrick wakes up one day to find he's turned pink overnight. But boys can't be pink! Feeling teased and left out, poor Patrick runs away in search of pink playmates. He crosses the ocean where he finds some pink flamingos - but will he fit in with them any better? Patrick soon learns that friendship is never black and white, but that real friends will accept you just as you are.

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Pink
 now

Crocs dont do Yoga

By:
Michelle Wilson, Catherine Suvorova

Crocs don’t do yoga... or do they?Connie is one snappy crocodile. Any small setback can send the croc into a frenzy, forcing all the creatures on Constant Creek to take cover. Then an unlikely friend suggests yoga to help stay calm… but Connie will need some encouragement.Will she be brave enough to give it a try?

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Crocs dont do Yoga
 now

Mary had a Monstersaur

By:
Peter Bath, Mike Dumbleton

Mary had a dinosaur called Monstersaurus Rex.Not the cuddly little lamb that everyone expects!What happens when everyone in town meets Mary’s huge new friend? Will he fit in? Or was he born to stand out?

Temper Tabitha

By:
Jackie Hosking, Leah Russack

We’ve all seen a bratty “Temper Tabitha” having a meltdown in public.But what happens when adults behave like children too?This cleverly written story by rhyme & meter expert Jackie Hosking highlights one of the great misconceptions about adults; Just because a person has grown up physically, doesn’t always guarantee that they’ve grown up emotionally and mentally too. Observation ofadult behaviour often proves this to be true.Author Jackie Hosking is a rising star with seven picture books in production including titles with publishers like Walker Books & Scholastic.

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Temper Tabitha
 now

Top Trends and Themes in Kids Books in January

Most families in January read books about…

1. Taking a Stand

A collection of the best and most inspiring children’s books on the topic of standing up for what’s right. Discover the entire collection of books about taking a Stand.

You may also like something from our collection of books about making a difference?

2. Living your Values

Sometimes, it’s about what is right, not what is easy. And we can all do with a little bit of help and encouragement to stand up for what’s right. Discover the entire collection of books about living your Values.

Also, check out our collection of books about being a good person.

3. Just for Fun

Sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy a good story! It’s important because life can be hectic and we learn and thrive better when we keep a cool head – relaxing and having fun is a BIG part of that. Discover the entire collection of books that are Just for Fun.

Plus: Get 5 Free Books, For Life!

Don’t forget that you get 5 free children’s books, for your whole family, for life! It’s easy: simply click through to the Nooksy App, pick a book, enter your details (so we can make it available for you) and start reading!

Want more books? Get Nooksy Premium for 90% off all of our awesome children’s books.

Don't forget to check out our collection of books about facing your fears.

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