Our Autumn Reading Guide is out now!

Peter Arnaudo • April 13, 2024

There are some amazing books coming up for all ages

We are really excited at the number of great books coming up in the next few months. As the weather starts to cool there is no better time than to get a book. You can download a copy of our Autumn Reading Guide here or read it online or pick up a copy instore. 


Some of the highlights for us include:


  • The Work by Bri Lee. The intersections between art, life, power and privilege are explored in this first work of fiction from the bestselling author of Eggshell Skull.
  • Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky by Tylissa Elisara. This is an Indigenous Blinky Bill meets Winnie the Pooh. A heartwarming and beautifully illustrated middle-grade novel follows Wurrtoo the wombat on his quest to marry the love of his life, the sky, while facing his fears and learning the importance of friendship along the way.
  • Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. Coco is the bestselling author of Cleopatra and Frankenstein. The Blue sisters have always been exceptional - and exceptionally different. Avery, a strait-laced lawyer living in London, is the typical eldest daughter, though she's hiding a secret that could undo her perfect life forever. Bonnie was a boxer but, following a devastating defeat, she's been working as a bouncer in LA, until one reckless night threatens to drive her out of the city. And Lucky, the rebellious youngest, is a model in Paris whose hard-partying ways are finally catching up with her. Then there was Nicky, the beloved fourth sister, whose unexpected death left Avery, Bonnie and Lucky reeling.
  • The Beauties by Lauren Chater. In the seventeenth-century court of King Charles II, Anne Hyde, the Duchess of York has commissioned a series of ten paintings of the most beautiful women in the entourage. She hopes her series will capture something much more than mere likenesses: they will capture beauty itself. But when the exquisite Emilia Lennox arrives at court, the duchess’s mission takes an unexpected turn.
  • Black Duck by Bruce Pascoe. A deeply personal story about the consequences and responsibility of disrupting Australia's history. When Dark Emu was adopted by Australia like a new anthem, Bruce found himself at the centre of a national debate that often focussed on the wrong part of the story. But through all the noise came Black Duck Foods, a blueprint for traditional food growing and land management processes based on very old practices.
  • The Garden of Broken Things by Freya Blackwood. From one of our favourite kids book creators come a beautifully tender story about curiosity and the joy of listening. One day, curious Sadie follows a cat into the tangled vines behind the lonely house at Number 9, Ardent Street. Deep in the undergrowth, past all the twisted, rusted things, Sadie finds the cat sitting on the lap of a woman, bent with time and weariness. She has found the Garden of Broken Things.
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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