Mother's Day Gift Guide 2024

April 22, 2024

Looking for some Mother's Day gift ideas??

We have a great range of gift ideas for Mother's Day (or grandmas, aunties, nieces or sisters).


Check out our Gift Guide here or instore for some fantastic book recommendations.


And don't forget we have some great gifts that are not books - like rocking socks, fun games, scrumptious chocolates and perplexing puzzles.

Browse Mother's Day

Beatrix Bakes: Another Slice by Natalie Paull


Sweet-toothed superstar and bestselling baker Natalie Paull returns with Beatrix Bakes: Another Slice, an all-new compilation of colourful, creative recipes to delight fans and newcomers alike. 


These are the cakes and desserts Nat has loved to eat since closing her cult cafe and bakery in inner Melbourne in 2022. By popular demand, the book includes legendary bakes that were not in the hit original Beatrix Bakes (hello lemon cream tart and chocolate sour cream layer cake). Discover recipes for irresistible cookies and tray bakes, cakes, tarts, pies (and a strudel), doughs and epic day-off baking projects to fill your weekend. 

Sister Viv by Grantlee Kieza


The inspiring story of the nursing hero who survived a wartime massacre and dedicated her life to saving others - from the critically acclaimed, bestselling author of The Remarkable Mrs Reibey, Hudson Fysh, Lawson and Banjo.


Bangka Island, 1942: Australian Army nurse Vivian Bullwinkel was just twenty-six when Japanese soldiers marched her and her fellow nurses into the shallow waters of a remote beach to be executed. Miraculously, Vivian would be the lone survivor - and she committed the rest of her long life to an exceptional peacetime career which she lived in tribute to her lost friends. 

Safe Haven  by Shankari Chandran


Out on 1 May 2025 - The new novel from the Miles Franklin award-winning author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.


After arriving in Australia seeking asylum, Fina dedicates herself to aiding the refugees held in a detention centre at Port Camden, a remote island outpost. Appalled by the mistreatment of those in custody, Fina speaks out to the media about the poor conditions within the facility, as a result she is arrested, taken from her home in the small country town of Hastings and threatened with deportation. When a security officer dies under suspicious circumstances, Lucky, a special investigator, arrives to uncover the truth. Her mystery is tied to Fina’s fate—and the secrets of the detention centre will divide the town and the nation.


Safe Haven is about displacement and seeking refuge—but ultimately it is a story about finding home—and the lengths you’ll go to find safety and love.

Puzzles and games


Puzzles and games are a great way to spend time together (or alone). 


Browse our great range of puzzles and games that cover a great range of literary subject (and, of course, dogs, pets and cats!!).

Canberra MONOPOLY


We've been waiting for a while for this one. But it is finally here!  Celebrate and explore Australia's capital city - our own home town, Canberra, with this special edition of MONOPOLY. 


Take a tour of the city's most iconic destinations and businesses while you buy and sell your way to the top!  As you move around the board you will find local utilities, landmarks, and fabulous attractions.


But be careful! The fun doesn't stop while exploring Canberra! There are investments to be done, so don't wait - roll the dice and enjoy the Canberra edition of MONOPOLY.

Chocolates


Chocolates are a always a safe bet. We stock a range of locally made chcolates from Kate's Bombs and Studio Cocoa.


Chocolate bombs (that explode when you pour hot milk on them), bonbons, dino eggs and smah hearts packed full with choclate crack!!


Delicious!

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Socks


Who doesn't love or need a great pair of socks. We have a great range from Blue Q and Jumbly Umph. 


With something to suit everyone you are sure to find a pair that make a statement!!


Drop in and have a browse at 47 Jardine Street, Kingston. Or check out our online shop for this and many more great gift ideas!

By Peter Arnaudo June 30, 2025
Just when you're starting to get on top of your TBR... we release another newsletter for you to browse!
By Peter Arnaudo June 29, 2025
All bookworms love dragons. It’s a fact. Even if you never read fantasy books, you have to admit… they’re one of the coolest mythological creatures out there. Sure, unicorns are pretty and mermaids can breathe underwater, but dragons are powerful, intelligent, and bloodthirsty. I’ll admit, I picked up A Language of Dragons because I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to re-read Fourth Wing for the third time. “This’ll scratch the itch,” I thought to myself as I browsed the ARCs sent to The Book Cow. Boy, was I right. A Language of Dragons is everything the cover promises. There’s action, adventure, and fun galore. I loved seeing dragons depicted in our world and, for once, they weren’t written as some superior, untouchable species. In fact, the whole plot revolves around them fighting humans for more rights. Consider me intrigued. The main character, much like Violet, is a bit of a geek - but not in an insufferable way. Although I would have preferred for her to find her voice a little sooner, she does eventually recognise that she’s on the wrong path. We love a self-aware queen! If you’re a fan of academia, great world-building, and a fantastic cast of characters, A Language of Dragons might just be the book for you. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Peter Arnaudo June 21, 2025
Are the early 2010s back in fashion?! I must admit… I’m here for it. Silver Elite presented a not-so-refreshing take on the dystopian genre but, despite its reliance on popular tropes, I am officially OBSESSED. It reads like a romantasy book wrapped in a destroy-the-government package - bringing me very happy memories of enjoying Divergent in my early teenhood. If you’re a fan of cheesy (admittedly captivating) writing and like books that are a lot of fun, I highly recommend Silver Elite… that’s not to say it doesn’t get serious. This book is not for the light-hearted. The author, Dani Francis, is not afraid to play with your emotions. Even the main character isn't safe from the ever-haunting threat of death, forcing you to remain on the edge of your seat.  I’d love to see a movie adaptation in the near future! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Peter Arnaudo June 14, 2025
Whether you are a parent, teacher, librarian, or just an avid book lover... these are our must-have titles for 2025. From picture books right through to YA - these page-turners are bound to captivate and intrigue the children in your life. If any strike your fancy, let us know and we can reserve them for you!
By Peter Arnaudo June 7, 2025
How often do you read outside of your preferred genre? My answer to this question is never.
By Peter Arnaudo May 25, 2025
June is coming at us full force! Our latest monthly newsletter covers next month's not-to-be missed highlights - featuring the latest and greatest.
By Peter Arnaudo May 18, 2025
Are you constantly trying to encourage your children to read? We've got you covered. Instead of relying on us adults to point you toward books that your kids will love, we asked for help from local students.
By Peter Arnaudo May 11, 2025
As Canberra’s specialist children’s bookshop, we’ve become the go-to for recommendations. Now, we’re passing over the baton… to the students themselves. Over the past few weeks, The Book Cow has been working with local schools to gain insight into their favourite titles. These reviews are by kids, for kids.
By Peter Arnaudo May 4, 2025
One of the best months of the year is finally here, bringing tons of new titles to our shelves. From fantasy to romance, fiction to non-fiction, you’ll definitely need to go book shopping at least once (or twice!) over the next few weeks. 
By Peter Arnaudo April 27, 2025
Has the synopsis of a book ever made you fall hopelessly and irrevocably in love? From the get-go, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil promised to tick all of my boxes. Not only is it by an author I’ve adored since 2015, but it drew me in with the promise of toxic, lesbian vampires. I was not disappointed.

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