Our Winter Reading Guide for Kids - 2026

The summer school holidays are coming up soon, time to start making your summer reading wish lists 📚 Our Summer Reading Guide is available now on our website and has plenty more wonderful competitions for our junior readers to enter for a chance at building their home library! Where to Hide a Star is the out-of-this-world, long-awaited sequel to the much-loved Boy stories. To celebrate the release, you have a chance to WIN a set of our favourite Oliver Jeffers picture books. To enter, simply purchase any book from the Summer Reads catalogue and answer the question on the Indies website: https://buff.ly/3OhdKou #kidsbooks #kidsbookcow #thebookcowkingston #newbooks #childrensbook #childrensseries #bookshop #bookseller #bookstore #childrensbooks #kidsbookstagram #bookworms

The rain this morning didn't dampen a wonderful launch of James Knight's new book, Spirit of the Warriors. A really interesting and moving talk by James about the impact of drought, and the role of sport in bringing people together. The rain did mean there was no outdoor cricket, but the Bluey cricket set came to the rescue for some indoor catching practice! Come and grab your signed copy of James's book today - perfect for middle grade readers.

Today is Ausmusic T-Shirt Day! 🎶🥁🎸 Ausmusic T-Shirt Day is a day to celebrate Aussie music and raise funds for music workers. Check out Sarah & Jacinta in their band tees, plus a selection of great books from our talented Australian musicians! For more info or to donate (or purchase your own cool tee) please visit: https://www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au @jebediah_band Bondi Cigars @littleredden @jacintafroud @coldchiselofficial @jimmybarnesofficial Cold Chisel @kylieminogue Kylie Minogue @silverchairband @kaseychambersmusic @nickcaveofficial @officialjohnfarnham @Anthony Wiggle anthony_wiggle #supportlocal #ausmusic

Did you know that, based on the number of people who have read at least one book (in full or part) over the last year, 92% of Australians can be classed as readers? 🤔 Although we have some staff members who proudly read multiple books a month, we firmly believe that anyone who loves to read can call themselves a reader. Life gets in the way, we get it. If you have a growing to-be-read pile and want to get more reading done, we recommend... 👉 Going to bed 20 minutes earlier than you normally would. Put your phone to one side and pick up your book to wind down for the evening. 👉 Taking a book with you everywhere you go. Whether you gravitate toward physical, audio, or eBooks - always having one with you will give you more chances to read. 👉 Choosing faster-paced novels. We love every genre at The Book Cow but, admittedly, some books don't have the same urgency as others. To get more reading done, try picking up a horror... soon, you'll be desperate to turn the page. 👉 Only read books that you're interested in! We've all picked up something because it was recommended to us by a friend, only to end up hating it. It's time to let go. 👉 Always have your next book picked out. If you're indecisive, it might take you days to pick something from your TBR. Rather than waiting until you have finished your current book, get your next read lined up! #Reading #Books #CurrentlyReading #TBR #eBooks #Audiobooks #Bookaddict #Booknerd #Booklover

Can you believe that there's less than one month until Christmas? Yes, you heard us correctly! 😱 There are only FOUR WEEKS left for you to get everything ready for the holidays, including getting your gifts sorted. Luckily, we're here (and very happy!) to help 💪 The Book Cow has already seen hundreds of faces coming in to pick out the perfect present over the last few weeks and we're hoping to welcome many more. Who doesn't love receiving a book for Christmas?! #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #Shopping #Presents #Books #Holidays #December

Join us for the Final Literature in Translation Book Club gathering on 10 December at 6pm at The Book Cow, where the chosen title is Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor, translation by Sophie Hughes. Inspired by a real event of the murder of a woman in rural Mexico which has been adapted as a Netflix movie, Hurricane Season takes place in a world filled with superstitions and violence—violence that poisons everything around. The Witch is dead. After a group of children playing in the murky waters of the irrigation canals discover her decomposing corpse, the village is rife with rumours and suspicions about the murder of this feared and respected woman, who had carried out the community’s ritual shamanic customs. In dazzling, visceral language, Melchor extracts humanity from otherwise irredeemably brutal characters, and spins a terrifying and heartrending tale of dark suspense in a Mexican village that seems damned. Buy your copy of the book on our website or in store. Come and join the conversation! Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome.

Do you believe in life after love? If we could turn back time and were strong enough to live without our new release copies of Cher - The Memoir (Part 1) we would, but alas the beat goes on. @harpercollinsaustralia #bookface #cher #bookpuns

B L U E Y G I V E A W A Y ! ! Do you have a @officialblueytv fan in your house or school? We are talking about someone who is a bigger fan than Peter! ☺️ We are giving away this amazing Bluey Christmas backdrop (Peter for scale), some Bluey Christmas Bunting and a Bluey book of your choice. 🎄 All you have to do is follow @bookcowkids, tag a Bluey lover in the comments, tell us your favourite Bluey book (or episode) and where you might display these cool Bluey props! ⛳ Not affiliated with Instagram, just a bit of harmless Christmas fun which helps us clear some space in the back office! Winners will be contacted via DM by December 1st 2024. Local pickup only. 📚🐄

You may think you know a lot about when dinosaurs roamed the earth - but have you ever wondered what came before that? We are excited to welcome David Conley - teacher, artist and author back to The Book Cow to celebrate the launch of the latest title in his That Book About series, That Book About Life Before Dinosaurs. 🦖🦕 This pre-prehistoric adventure is available instore now, and we hope you will join us for an afternoon of fun and laughs, the perfect start to school holidays! Tickets are free but bookings essential, via Humanitix 🎟️ @‌thatdavidconley #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #kidsbookstagram #kidsbookcow #BookLaunch #FamilyFun #ReadingAdventure #newrelease #newbooks #childrensbook #childrensseries #cbrevents #kidsbooks

A huge thank you to Garth Nix for stopping by The Book Cow today! Garth was kind enough to sign copies of his new teen fiction book, We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord - come and grab your signed copy! Garth also made the day for the Book Cow staff, signing some much-loved titles from his back-catalogue! 😊

We're looking forward to welcoming Peter Stanley back to our pasture to launch his latest book Beyond The Broken Years. Fifty years after The Broken Years, Bill Gammage’s classic on Great War soldiers, was published – provocative military historian Peter Stanley argues why it’s vital for Australians to understand how our military past has been created, by whom, how and with what consequences. We will be joined on the evening by none other than Bill Gammage himself for this event, not to be missed by any military history enthusiast. Grab your tickets now via Humanitix, they are free but bookings are essential: 📅 6pm Thursday, November 28th 📍 The Book Cow Kingston @‌professorpeterstanley @newsouthbooksau #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #booklaunch #bookshop #bookseller #newrelease #militaryhistory #nonfictionbooks

During the week we had a visit from Air Commodore Kirrily Dearing AM to chat about her recent publication, Changing Altitudes: Stories of Australian Air Force Women. Kirrily has contributed along with four others, in capturing the experiences of women who have proudly served their nation in different elements of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) since the 1940s. Filled with timelines and fascinating photography, this is an excellent recount of the experiences of women in the RAAF for both present and past serving members and anyone with an interest in the services. Published by the History and Heritage Branch. https://www.facebook.com/RAAFHistoryandHeritage #authorvisit #authorsofthebookcow

Join us for the November OzLit Book Club gathering on Wednesday 27 November at 6pm at the Book Cow, where our chosen title is the bighearted, gritty, magical and moving, Lola in the Mirror from international bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe and All Our Shimmering Skies, Trent Dalton. 'Mirror, mirror, on the grass, what's my future? What's my past?' A girl and her mother are on the lam. They've been running for sixteen years, from police and the monster they left in the kitchen with the knife in his throat. They've found themselves a home inside an orange 1987 Toyota HiAce van with four flat tyres parked in a scrapyard by the edge of the Brisbane River – just two of the 100,000 Australians sleeping rough every night. A big, moving, blackly funny, violent, heartbreaking and beautiful novel of love, fate, life and death and all the things we see when we look in the mirror. All of the past, all of the present, and all of our possible futures. Buy the book on our website or instore. Come and join the conversation! Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome.

This is the debut fantasy novel from Maiga Doocy. The fans of the Emily Wilde series and those who enjoy well written soft romance fantasy will appreciate an engaging adventure story with witty main character dialogue and the usual relationship tensions between contrasting characters that transforms to something else along the way. The first book in Wildersongs Trilogy is an enjoyable read with excellent reviews. 5 hoofs from the Bookcow. Publisher’s blurb (published 29 October 2024): Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics. He can summon butterflies with a song or turn someone's hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don't earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic. That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo's complete opposite - respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws. To dissolve the curse, they'll have to uncover the true depths of Leo's magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and - much to their horror - work together. Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them. @maigadoocy @hachetteaus #fantasybooks #queerfantasy #queerbooks #queerbookstagram #adventurebooks #slowburnromance #romancebookstagram #hozier #emilywildesencyclopaediaoffaeries #fantasybooks #debutauthors #sorceryandsmallmagics #maigadoocy #cozyfantasy

We're looking forward to wrapping up another exciting month with the perfect prelude to the PM’s XI v India 2 Day International Cricket event. Join us as we celebrate the launch of Best-selling author James Knight's latest children's novel, Spirit of the Warriors, the story of Ajeet and Jack and the unpredictable fortunes of the Stony Creek Public School cricket team. Ideal for middle readers but with wide-ranging appeal, we look forward to seeing you instore for a great event! 🏏 Tickets are free but bookings essential. Make it a full day of cricket fun and save your spot today, via Humanitix. @crack.astory #spiritofthewarriors #kidsbookcow #BookLaunch #BookCowEvents #FamilyFun #ReadingAdventure #newrelease #newbooks #childrensbook #bookshop #bookseller #bookstore #childrensbooks #kidsbookstagram #bookworms #FreeEvents #canberrakids #canberrafamilies

Our November Translations Book Club is meeting next Tuesday evening from 6pm in the Book Cow. We are discussing Maylis De Kerangal's Eastbound (translated by Jessica Moore). In this gripping tale, a Russian conscript and a French woman cross paths on the Trans-Siberian railroad, each fleeing to the east for their own reasons Perfect for fans of Maggie Shipstead's Great Circle and The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles Eastbound is both an adventure story and a duet of two vibrant inner worlds. In mysterious, winding sentences gorgeously translated by Jessica Moore, De Kerangal gives us the story of two unlikely souls entwined in a quest for freedom with a striking sense of tenderness, sharply contrasting the brutality of the surrounding world. Come and join the conversation! Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome. RSVP via our website (link is in the bio). You can purchase a copy of the book on our website or instore.

What a busy month we have coming up at the Book Cow with events and great new books for readers of all ages. Catch up with it all in our November newsletter out now online at our website or instore. This month we are featuring Inga Simpson's latest release The Thinning. Part sci-fi, part thriller - Fin grew up by an observatory, learning about telescopes and planets, inspired by the passions of her mother and father, then leaders in their fields of astrophotography and astronomy. Those days are long over. Now Fin, her mother, Dianella, and a band of outliers live deep off the grid, always on amber alert and always ready to run. In the outside world, extinctions and a loss of diversity threaten environmental stability. With a new disaster looming, Fin finds herself thrust into an unlikely partnership with a stranger who has appeared in camp. Terry is one of a new breed of evolved humans, the Incompletes, who are widely distrusted. But the pair will need to work together during a dangerous journey if they are to play their part in a plan to help restore the natural world - and humankind. Catch up also with all our November events at our website!!

Our Summer Reading Catalogue is out now instore and online on our website - bookcow.com.au. Discover the best new reads of the season, from gripping fiction and captivating true stories to mouth-watering cookbooks and delightful picture books for the little ones. We love matching readers with books they’ll love and pride ourselves on offering an exceptional range and personalised service from our store in Jardine Street in Kingston. And don't forget there are some great competitions in the catalogue. For example, win all the books featured on the cover (valued at over $200) by simply purchasing any book featured in the catalogue and telling us what make your favourite bookstore so special. Find our more competitions and the terms and conditions at https://buff.ly/3NPws6J. Browse online or instore and we are sure you will find a great read. What read are you looking forward to?? #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #auswriter #bookaddict @ausindiebooks

We're looking forward to welcoming Glenda Naughton to The Book Cow to launch the her beloved mother's memoir How Maisie Lived for One Hundred Years: A Melbourne Girlhood by Maisie Jones. Maisie's 100-year adventure begins in 1906, and across her childhood and working life in Melbourne her story includes time as a lifesaver on St Kilda Beach in the 20s, a rower with the YWCA, a bushwalker, mountain climber and light opera singer. Details for this wonderful evening are: 📅 6pm Thursday, November 21st 📍 The Book Cow Kingston Tickets are free but bookings essential, and can be made now via Humanitix! @grannyglennie #booklaunch #thebookcowkingston #bookcowevents #bookshop #bookseller #biography #memoir #nonfictionbooks #newrelease

Great to have author Benjamin Stevenson pop by in his very cool jumper, to say hello and sign some books! Benjamin's latest, Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret, is available in store now, along with his other titles. Come by and grab your signed copy!

We had a visit from the goodest boy today, Quincey, an Australian Shepherd. Quincey loves his family and food, but we won't divulge in which order. Thanks for visiting us today! 🐾

We're excited to be part of the launch of Pictures of You which is the latest title by novelist, feature writer, photographer, professional speaker and accountability coach Emma Grey. You're invited to celebrate the launch of a novel described as ''The sort of book that blocks out the rest of the world'. Tickets are $10 and selling quickly, be sure to secure yours now via Humanitix for this not-to-be-missed evening! 📅 6pm Friday, November 15th 📍 East Hotel, Kingston @‌emmagreyauthor #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #booklaunch #bookshop #bookseller #picturesofyou #zibbybookspublishing #penguinbooksaus #newrelease

The Spring Reading Guide competitions continue - there are plenty of opportunities to WIN free books! 📚 This competition is celebrating Kate Atkinson's latest novel released, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Jackson Brodie returns! From the bestselling author Kate Atkinson, a brilliantly clever take on the classic country house murder mystery; a homage to writers such as Agatha Christie. The stage is set. The players are ready. By night’s end, a murderer will be revealed. Brilliantly inventive, with all of Atkinson’s signature wit, wordplay and narrative brio, Death at the Sign of the Rook may be Jackson Brodie’s most outrageous and memorable case yet. For details on how to go in the draw for your chance to WIN a set of our favourite Kate Atkinson novels. Head to https://buff.ly/3L7UYON to be in the draw - best of luck! 🤞🏻 #thebookcowkingston #newbooks #adultfiction #booklover #bookstagram #books #readersofinstagram #jacksonbrodie #kateatkinsonauthor #kateatkinsonbooks @penguinbooksaus

Join us for the NEXT RAINBOW BOOK CLUB MEETING! 🥳 We will be gathering at 6:00pm on Friday the 1st of November, at The Book Cow book shop. Our book for the last two months has been 'Gentlest of Wild Things', by Sarah Underwood; a rich, mythic and beautiful novel. 🪽 Come along for a lovely book chat, where we will discuss romance, monsters, trials, and adaptation of eternal stories. 🐆 Snacks will be present; as well as laughs, and fun! Everyone is welcome, whether you've read the book or not! 🏳️‍🌈🤩 Buy your copy now online, using the discount code RAINBOW, or get your 10% off for this title, in store too! 📚 RVSP to the FREE event, here: https://events.humanitix.com/rainbow-holstein-book-club-gentlest-of-wild-things

First Saturday session of the @cbrwritersfest at the @pressclubaust. Fred C Trump III. Great way to start the day!!

Dylin Hardcastle popped in and signed copies of their new book - The Language of Limbs. Dylin Hardcastle is an author, artist and screenwriter. They are the author of three critically acclaimed books. Their first adult novel, Below Deck, was published in ten territories. Dylin is the co-creator, co-writer and co-director of the TV show Cloudy River. The Language of Limbs, with its striking cover is signed and in store now. Thank you Dylin for visiting. 🧡

Top Teen Choices this week. Stop scrolling and start flipping pages!✌😎

As we approach November, we'd love to share a bit more about the wonderful events we have coming up in store! Join us to celebrate a very good friend of The Book Cow, Barbie Robinson as she launches her latest book Molly and Maple: The Guide Dogs who changed Nettie's world. Beautifully written and also illustrated by local artist Sara Phemister, we are looking forward to a special evening including a couple of special guests - you'll have to come along to find out who! Tickets are free but bookings essential, save your spot now via Humanitix! 📅 6pm Friday, November 15th 📍 The Book Cow Kingston @‌barbierobinson56 @sara_phemister #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #booklaunch #bookshop #bookseller

It's Hats Off to Teachers! Today we celebrate some of the most important people in our community - our teachers. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to educating and inspiring others. We know all too well that this is no mean feat!

Join us next month when we welcome local Canberra Angel Hellyer to launch their brand new YA novel, Just Human. Just Human is a young adult urban fantasy novel and a gripping tale of resilience, friendship and the courage to stand out when everything around you changes. Angel will be with us for the afternoon and will read the first chapter and share their inspiration in conversation with special guest Zoya Patel, followed by a Q&A session. Bookings are essential; your free tickets are available now via Humanitix or our Facebook Event! @angel.hellyer @haguepublishingaus #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #youngadultfiction #fantasyfiction #newrelease #newbooks

Thanks to our friends at Dendy Canberra we have a double pass to giveaway to the ACT premiere of NIGHTBITCH - part of the Capital Film Festival on November 1 at 6:30pm (unclassified 15+). Based on Rachel Yoder's @raijoy best-selling novel and adapted for the screen by celebrated director Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), NIGHTBITCH stars Academy Award® nominee Amy Adams as an overworked stay-at-home mum trying to catch a break, any break, while caring for her rambunctious toddler. Also, she might be turning into a dog. Yes, you read that correctly. A profoundly original exploration of motherhood and identity with a typically committed performance from Adams, Heller weaves drama, comedy, and significant elements of surrealism into an audacious and important piece destined to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. To win the double pass like this post and share it with a friend by 9pm Sunday 27 October. Winner will be contacted Monday 28 October. Good luck!

We are helping Ngunnawal Primary with their election day book stall. All day today until 6pm when polls close. Grab a democracy sausage, vote and buy a book. Lots of people.

It's Election Day at The Book Cow - but for kids only!! If you're under 18, come down and vote for your favourite book character, favourite Canberra-author kids book, and the Chief Minister of the Book Cow! Election results drawn from 3.00pm, with local kids author and counting aficionado Krys Saclier! (We don't have democracy sausages, but sausage dogs and all dogs welcome in store!)

Another wonderful Book Club at the NFSA event is coming up next week, presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. On the evening of Thursday October 24th there is a screening of the 1949 film Eureka Stockade. In the early 1850s, the discovery of gold in Victoria drew thousands to places like Ballarat in search of fortune. One of the most expensive films shot in Australia at the time, this ‘Australian Western’ contributed to keeping the legend of the Eureka Stockade alive in the national memory. Followed by a discussion with award-winning historian, broadcaster and author Dr Clare Wright OAM. 📅 Thursday, October 24th at 6pm 📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA Acton 🎟️ $20 Full | $18 Concession @nfsaonline @cbrwritersfest @clarewrighthistorian #eurekastockade #movieevent #collaboration #australianhistory #historicalfilm #filmdiscussion #bookclub

Some great new non-fiction titles have arrived in store. Grab a copy for yourself, or start early on the Christmas shopping! #thebookcow #newreleasebooks #bookseller #bookstore #bookstagram #books #aussiereaders #bookworm #booklover

Join us in November as we celebrate the launch of the latest children's story by Dr Helen Edwards. In the words of Helen herself, her second middle-grade novel 'Legend of the Lighthouse Moon' is a work of magical historical fiction…set in a real time and place…containing elements of true history and fantasy.' ✨🌊 Mona finds solace in the treasures she collects along the island's shores. But when she encounters a mysterious sea lion pup, Neo, the world as she knows it is forever changed. The two siblings embark on a journey that leads them to uncover secrets hidden within their family's past. Added to this, we learn about Mona’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis. This is a gentle and thoughtful introduction to diabetes for those with little knowledge or understanding and the reader experiences Mona’s daily struggles and frustrations with her condition. Details for this wonderful event are: ⏲️ 4:30pm 📅 Monday November 6th 📍 The Book Cow Kingston Tickets are free but bookings essential, and are open now - see you there! @drhelenedwardswrites @rivetedpress #thebookcow #thebookcowevents #LegendOfTheLighthouseMoon #loveozkidlit #OzKidLit #KangarooIsland #type1diabetes #type1diabetesawareness #type1diabetessupport #CapeWilloughby #oceanconservation

Popping into your news feed with the latest in competitions and giveaways from our Spring Reading Guide 🌷 This one is a chance to win a set of Anita Heiss novels to celebrate the launch of Anita's new release Dirrayawadha, another groundbreaking historical novel about resistance, resilience and love during the frontier wars. Anita Heiss is breathing new life into the Australian historical epic. Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) shows the resistance leader Windradyne as the remarkable figure he was and surrounds him with fascinating figures otherwise lost to history. With irresistible imagination and verve, as well as a deep desire for truth telling, Anita Heiss’s novels are re-peopling our past. Enter now for your chance to WIN - online at https://buff.ly/3L7UYON Happy reading! #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #bookstagram #books #aussiereaders #bookworm #booklover #riseup #BathurstWars #WiradjuriCountry #australianhistory #frontierwars #homelandwars #authorsofinstagram #coverreveal #simonschusterau @dranitaheiss @simonandschuster

New Release 'Tonight' has hit the shelves and it looks sensational. Mouthwatering recipes and tantalising photography, this cook book is sure to delight. Get your copy TONIGHT! #recipetineats #cooking #cookbooks #australiancuisine

On Sunday we had a visit and chat to local author Belinda Cranston. Belinda's fiction novel, The Changing Room, is set in both Sydney and London and explores solo travel from a young woman's perspective. 'What lies behind us and what lies before us are the tiny matters compared to what lies within us.' Henry S Haskins, Meditations in Wall Street. We have signed copies in stock if you are looking for a new fiction read.

And we have our winners!! 🏆 Happy listening 🎧 These two lucky ladies found our hidden Golden Ticket and have been awarded 12 audiobook credits with our friends at @librofm. Congratulations 🎉 🎉 #librofmgoldenticket

We're pleased to support our friends at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) who have a couple of events coming up soon presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. On Sunday October 20th you can be part of this special edition of Book Club at the NFSA featuring Sue Brooks’ short film and Leah Purcell’s feature-length interpretation, The Drover's Wife, inviting audiences to examine Lawson’s classic story through First Nations and feminist lenses. The screening will be followed by a discussion with special guest, acclaimed filmmaker and creative polymath Leah Purcell AM. 📅 Sunday, October 20th at 1pm 📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA Acton 🎟️ $20Full | $18 Concession @nfsaonline @cbrwritersfest @leahpurcell @thedroverswifefilm @oombarraproductions @screenaustralia #thedroverswifethelegendofmollyjohnson #thedroverswifefilm #oombarraproductions #mollyjohnson #aboriginal #alwayswasalwayswillbe

Did you know that there is an election going on at the moment? No, not the ACT or Queensland one. Much more important. Its the BCT Election. Kids never get to vote and we don't think that is fair. Voting is so much fun. Why should the adults only have the fun!!?? So to change it a bit we are holding our very own elections - for the BCT (the Book Cow Territory). Only kids can vote at this election. And just like a real election we have preferential voting (alas no Robson Rotation this time...) and two ballot papers. The blue ballot paper is to elect the favourite Canberra kids book written or illustrated by a Canberran. This list has been informed by nomination from ABC Radio Canberra and some local politicians. The red ballot paper is to elect the favourite book character who will also be named the Chief Minister of the BCT. Voting is open from Saturday 12 October until 3pm Saturday 19 October. There is only one place to vote - the Book Cow in Kingston. And we have a real ballot box!! When we stop voting local election aficionado and author Krys Saclier will come and show us how to count the vote so we can work out who will be elected. Our very own tally room in the Book Cow and we will need counters and scrutineers!! Find out more on our events page on our website or Facebook. Hope to see you on Saturday 19 October for the count or drop in to the shop before then to fill out your ballot papers and vote!! #elections #actelection @krysbooks @thedogandthebook @nicolegodwinauthor @catherinemeatheringham @amelia_mcinerney_ #votecount

Happy Love Your Bookshop Day, fellow book lovers! 🎉🎉🎉 12 October 2024 is the date for bookshop celebrations worldwide! ⁠There is much happening across the weekend at The Book Cow to mark this occasion and we look forward to celebrating with you. Thank you for your support to keep literary communities alive and thriving 📚💗 *Image Reposted from @bookpeopleau🔁 #nationalbookshopday #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #kidsbookcow #BookLaunch #newrelease #newbooks #childrensbooks #youngadultfiction #nonfictionbooks #bookworms #booklovers

FIND THE GOLDEN TICKET TO WIN A ‼️YEAR'S SUPPLY OF FREE AUDIOBOOKS‼️ - this Saturday 12/10!! Happy hunting!! 🤩 #thebookcow #loveyourbookshopday #lybd2024 #books #bookstore #indiebookstore #libro #librofm #booktok #bookstagram

We have more exciting events planned at The Book Cow during October! We'd love to see you at one (or all!) of our upcoming events: 🪺 When I sleep I dream of Australian Birds by Rachel Head book launch ~ 11am Saturday 12th October 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼 Special LYBD Meet the Author event ~ Emma Lord - 10.30am Saturday 12th October 🥛 Milk Book launch special event at Winning Appliances Kingston ~ 2pm Sunday 13th October 📖 OzLit Book Club ~ Featuring First Year by Kristina Ross - 6pm Wednesday 23rd October Tickets to these wonderful events are FREE but bookings are essential via Humanitix. See you soon! #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #bookclub #bookclubreads #kidsbookcow #BookLaunch #newrelease #newbooks #childrensbook #youngadultfiction #kidsnonfiction #nonfictionbooks #kidsfiction #bookworms

While this might seem like the most obvious spot for a 'GOLDEN TICKET' we can confidently say, you will have to search a little bit harder on #loveyourbookshopday (Saturday 12th October) to be in the running for this sparkly prize. The 'GOLDEN TICKET' will be hidden in one of our books and the lucky finder will win a year's supply of audiobooks from @librofm A great prize for audio book lovers! #goldenticket #LYBD2024 #audiobooks #librofm #librofmaudiobookclub #librofmgoldenticket

It was lovely to welcome @gigiamazonia to the shop today to sign some copies of her debut book, We Are the Stars - published by @harpercollinsaustralia Gina is in town for a meet the author event at ANU tonight and will then travel to Sydney for an in conversation event with @leigh_sales tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to pop in and say g'day Gina! Signed copies available from our new release shelf, while stocks last! #ginachick #wearethestars #aloneaustralia #rewildingaustralia

We have lots of things planned for Love Your Bookshop Day on Saturday 12 October but are really excited about the Libro.FM Golden Ticket competition. How would like to win 12 audiobook credits - that is one for every month for the next 12 months. What do you have to do?? On Love Your Bookshop Day - Saturday 12 October we will hide the Libro.FM Golden Ticket somewhere in a book in the bookshop. If you find tit come and see us and we will tell you how to redeem your 12 credits. It is that easy (but we do have a lot of books in the shop - so plan your time!!). #LibrofmGoldenTicket #lybd2024 @librofm

October New Releases are in store now! A mix of fun, festive and spooky, just in time for Love Your Bookshop Day this coming Saturday 12th. #octoberreads #booksforkids #lybd2024 #LoveYourBookshopDay

A fantastic mid-morning Spring book party / book launch this morning for Gabrielle Tozer's newest picture book - Before We Met. A timely and moving picture book that captures the excitement, hope and love within families of all shapes and sizes. Waiting to meet a new addition to your family is a special time as you dream of the joy to come. This beautiful picture book is a heartfelt and moving tribute to the anticipation and excitement that a child can bring, and the ways in which a family can be created, including IVF and adoption. A joyous celebration of growing families of all shapes and sizes. What started out as a poem to her daughter is now an amazing picture book beautifully illustrated by Sophie Beer. It was great to have Jack Heath do the honours and help the book and to see so many of Gab's friends and family from Canberra join in the fun. Thanks for coming back to Canberra Gabrielle and sharing your book with us!! #beforewemet @gabrielletozer @sophiebeerdraws @harperkidsau #beforewemet #kidlit #picturebook #bookstagram #booklaunch #picturebooks #family @therusticcookieco

Had a great time yesterday with Sharon Baldwin @shazofalltrades making smooth green smoothies in Green Square. We used the recipe from her kids counting book One Green Smoothie and it worked a treat! Lots of counting to be had as we counted every ingredient in our healthy smoothie and then off it went to our friends @bittersweetkingston for a quick blend. The result!! Very yummy and very healthy!! Thanks for coming over Sharon and sharing some of your healthy smoothie tips!

Join us for the October OzLit Book Club gathering on Wednesday 23 October at 6pm at the Book Cow, where our chosen title is winner of the 2024 The Australian/Vogel's Award for Young Writers, First Year by Kristina Ross. At seventeen, Maeve is naively single-minded about pursuing a life in the theatre. After a rigorous audition process, she secures a position at one of the most competitive drama schools in the country. Leaving behind the security of her childhood home in Queensland, Maeve moves to Melbourne and devotes herself to the course. The expectations of the faculty are made clear from the outset: to avoid failure, the process must be adhered to without question and, as the youngest student at the school, Maeve knows she must gain life experience in order to inhabit her roles. With the encouragement of her new classmates, Maeve explores the darker pockets of her personality, disastrously blurring the line between the characters she must play and herself. For readers of Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney, Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler and Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors, First Year is a deeply intelligent and insightful exploration of creativity and performance, marking the entry of an audacious new literary talent. Buy the book on our website or instore. Come and join the conversation! Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome.

Come and join us for this special book launch as part of our special Love Your Bookshop Day celebrations this Saturday at 11am at the Book Cow. We will be helping launch When I Sleep I Dream of Australian Birds by local illustrator Rachel Head. Love Your Bookshop Day celebrations are initiatives of the BookPeople created to celebrate bookshops across the country and highlight what makes local bookshops great. The theme of Love Your Bookshop Day (LYBD) 2024 is Giving the Gift of Imagination, celebrating the crucial role bookshops play in inspiring our imagination and this book is a wonderful example of how reading inspires the imagination of our young ones. What do we dream of when we sleep, what journeys do we take? Do we dream of faraway lands, beautiful creatures? Go on an adventure around Australia and discover the beautiful colourful birds of a variety of regions. Rachel's exquisitely illustrated book is designed to grow with your child, offering not only an imaginative story but also educational information about the fascinating birds featured within its pages. As your little one develops, you can explore the factual tidbits together, nurturing their curiosity and love for the natural world. Rachel graduated from the Canberra School of Art in the 90s and has exhibited extensively. She has a bachelor’s in arts and diplomas in Painting & Printing and Education. After winning a major scholarship from the Hewia Nakajima Foundation, Rachel travelled to Japan and studied in the printmaking department at Kyoto Seika University. Rachel has exhibited in Canberra and Sydney, has collections of works in Tokyo, National Gallery of Australia, and in the chief ministry office Australia. Recent art exhibitions have been dedicated to donating. The themes have involved preservation and conservation of environment and animals. Come along for a fun and imaginative book launch this Saturday. More info and rsvp via the events page on our website (links are in the bio). @rachel.head.artworks

This Sunday at 2pm you're invited to a special book chat event as part of our Spring Into Kingston / Love Your Bookshop Day weekend hosted by The Book Cow, Cook & Co and Winnings to chat about Milk by Matthew Evans in conversation with Karen Hardy from the Canberra Times. Milk is a powerful, entertaining and, at times, eviscerating commentary on the most controversial of original superfoods. It's in our coffee, on our cereal. We see it in processed form – yoghurt, butter, cheese, skimmed and lactose free. It's there in almond form, or made from oats or soy, and is as lauded as the 'perfect' food or lambasted as not fit for human consumption and a toxic planet killer, depending on who you trust. Which type you drink, whether you were raised on breastmilk, what you think of it, is affected by culture, biology and fashion. How you view it is driven by your gender and your politics, as well as your geography. The miracle liquid has suffered an image problem. It has been used to keep people poor, to keep women subjugated, and to build corporate and medical careers. It's been blamed for climate change, the breakdown of human health, and an enabler of the industrial revolution. From perfect food to pariah, milk's role in life has often been debased. Milk celebrates the majesty of this noble liquid, and delves into the pretenders to its throne, from formula to Mylk. It looks at the transformation of what a milk-producer eats into one of the most nutrient dense foods available, and how that can be transformed again into the butter, cheese and clotted cream that we know and love today. It's an exploration of the science, history and politics of what makes mammals different from every other life form on earth. Matthew Evans is a chef and food critic turned farmer-food activist. He lives on a mixed farm that occupies a one-time apple orchard in the Huon Valley outside Hobart. Matthew will be in conversation with Karen Hardy from The Canberra Times. Jointly hosted by The Book Cow. Cook & Co and Winning Appliances at the Winnings Showroom in Kingston. RSVP and more info at the events page on our website (link in the bio) #bookchat #milk

Our October Translations Book Club is meeting this Tuesday evening from 6pm in the Book Cow. What is up for discussion?? Yoko Ogawa's Mina's Matchbox (translated by Stephen Snyder). From the International Booker Prize–shortlisted author of The Memory Police comes a hypnotic tale of friendship, family secrets, and coming of age set in 1970s Japan. After the death of her father, twelve-year-old Tomoko is sent to live for a year with her uncle in the coastal town of Ashiya. It is a year which will change her life. The 1970s are bringing changes to Japan and her uncle's magnificent colonial mansion opens up a new and unfamiliar world for Tomoko; its sprawling gardens are even home to a pygmy hippo the family keeps as a pet. Tomoko finds her relatives equally exotic and beguiling and her growing friendship with her cousin Mina draws her into an intoxicating world full of secret crushes and elaborate storytelling. As the two girls share confidences their eyes are opened to the complications of the adult world. Tomoko's understanding of her uncle's mysterious absences, her grandmother's wartime experiences and her aunt's unhappiness will all come into clearer focus as she and Mina build an enduring bond. Rich with the magic and mystery of youth, Mina's Matchbox is an evocative snapshot of a moment frozen in time, and a striking depiction of a family on the edge of collapse. Come and join the conversation! Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome. RSVP via our website (link is in the bio). You can purchase a copy of the book on our website or instore.

Ok. So its the second week of the school holidays and kids may be getting a little bit bored.... So we have two great weekday events (in addition to the regular toddler storytime in Green Square on Tuesdays and Thursday at 11am). First up - come along on Tuesday 8 October at 11:30am and learn some juicy counting with Sharon Baldwin and her latest book One Green Smoothie!! Illustrated by Inga Hope, One Green Smoothie is a counting book AND a recipe book. Ideal for preschoolers from ages two to six it is the perfect way to introduce kids to more fresh fruit and veg. And we may even be able to make a real smoothie - what do you think will be in it!??! It will be Green Smoothies in Green Square!! Next up on Wednesday 9 October at 11am we have a very special guest - Gabrielle Tozer coming to celebrate her new kid's picture book Before We Met. This is an amazing picture book (created with Sophie Beer) that is a heartfelt and moving tribute to the anticipation and excitement that a child can bring, and the ways in which a family can be created, including IVF and adoption. There will be cookies. There will be a reading, There will be book signings (of this and Gabe's other books as well). Oh!! And did we mention that there will be Jack Heath as well??!! Gabrielle Tozer is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor based in Wagga Wagga in regional New South Wales. She is the author of eight books, including some Young Adult / Teen favs at the Book Cow - The Unexpected Mess of it All, Before We Met, Can’t Say It Went to Plan, Remind Me How This Ends and The Intern, which won the 2015 State Library of Victoria’s Gold Inky Award. Come along for a party in Green Square from 11am (all are welcomed from toddlers to adults). @gabrielletozer @shazofalltrades @loosepartspress #schoolholidays #Holidayactivities #holidayboredom #bored

We are counting down the days to Love Your Bookshop Day 2024. Come along on Saturday 12 October for a day of fun, competitions, author events and, of course, our massive Spring Book Sale. Get an early start on Christmas shopping with double loyalty points on Saturday for members of the Herd. The Mix106.3 Cruiser team will out the front with lots of fun and games. Find the Libro.FM Golden Ticket hidden somewhere in the store to win 12 audiobook credits. Grab your own personal penguin from Penguin Australia when you buy two or more Penguin books on the day. Come along to our meet the author and book launch events all weekend. And the Jardine Street Shopfront Scavenger Hunt will be back with businesses all up and down the street taking part. Can't wait? Enter the competitions this week. There is a colouring in competition for kids and one for adults as well and you will be in the running for BookPeople Gift Cards! Find out more at loveyourbookshop.com.au Find out all the details on our website. #lybd2024 @bookpeopleau @Librofm @mix1063canberra @penguinbooksaus #loveyourbookshopday #yourpersonalpenguin #booklover #bookcommunity #booktokbookclub #booklove #bookreview #fantasy #romancebooks

Drop by on Love Your Bookshop Day (Saturday 12th October) and buy any two Penguin books to receive your own Personal Penguin! (While stocks last) #LoveYourBookshopDay #penguinbooks #lybd2024

To help celebrate Love Your Bookshop Day on Saturday 12 October we have teamed up with our friends and audiobook suppliers extraordinaire at Libro.FM to run an amazing competition. How would like to win 12 audiobook credits - that is one for every month for the next 12 months. What do you have to do?? On Love Your Bookshop Day - Saturday 12 October we will hide the Libro.FM Golden Ticket somewhere in a book in the bookshop. If you find tit come and see us and we will tell you how to redeem your 12 credits. It is that easy (but we do have a lot of books in the shop - so plan your time!!). #LibrofmGoldenTicket #lybd2024 @librofm

Our next movie ticket giveaway is for Memoir of a Snail, which lands in cinemas on October 17! Memoir of a Snail is the latest film from Academy Award-winning director, Adam Elliot, following classic stop-motion films Mary and Max and Harvie Krumpet. Memoir of a Snail is the bittersweet remembrance of a lonely woman called Grace Pudel (Sarah Snook), who retells her life story to a humble garden snail named Sylvia. The stop-motion feature film recently won the Cristal Award for best feature Annecy Film Festival and will be released in Australian cinemas on October 17th. It features an all-star Australian and international voice cast; Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong and Jacki Weaver. This uniquely Australian, deeply nostalgic and fully hand-crafted cinematic delight will make you laugh and cry - and also happens to be set in Canberra! For your chance to win a double pass to be amongst the first to see Memoir of a Snail, all you have to do is: ✅ Like this post AND ✅ Tag the friend you would take along to this screening. The winners will be announced on Friday 11 October 2024 🎟️ Best of luck! #memoir_of_a_snail_movie #DoublePassGiveaway #MovieNight #CinephileCommunity #ticketgiveaway #tagafriend #madmanfilms #madmanfilm #madmanentertainment #stopmotion #memoirofasnail #screenaustralia @madmanfilms @adam_elliot_clay

Dendy Canberra are hosting an epic Harry Potter Marathon this October 12 &13! And we have a double pass to giveaway to the first film of the weekend, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone! Relive the entire journey from The Philosopher's Stone to The Deathly Hallows Part 2, with the first four films playing on Saturday October 12, and the final four on Sunday October 13, for 19 hours of pure movie magic. Fly into the halls of Hogwarts, unravel the mysteries of the Chamber of Secrets, confront the chilling Dementors, and witness the breathtaking Triwizard Tournament, before returning the following day to join the Order of the Phoenix, finding all the Horcruxes and taking down He Who Shall Not Be Named in the epic climax! Don't miss this unique opportunity to enjoy these beloved films on the big screen once again. So don your house robes, grab your wands, throw your floo-powder and shout “Dendy!”, and embark on a magical adventure that will leave you spellbound! For your chance to win tag a friend below before 5pm Thursday 10 October. #DendyCanberra

We are very proud to be supporting MARION (formerly ACT Writers) and their 2024 membership drive that is now underway. And as if membership alone is not enough, the best of the best in the ACT literary world have put together an amazing range of prizes up for grabs. From Monday September 30–Sunday October 6, become a member, or if you’re already a member donate $40 or more, to go into the draw to win a daily prize pack and a major prize pack! Prizes include double passes to events at the upcoming Canberra Writers Festival, book packs, book vouchers, gin and tea!! For almost thirty years, MARION (formerly ACT Writers) has been developing writers and their work, focusing on craft and professional practice over a creative lifetime. When you join MARION you become an important part of a vibrant and engaged community. You’ll receive the support you need to get to the next stage in your writing career—whether that’s writing your first poem, or earning regular income from your work. Find out more about MARION, how to join or donate at their website - marion.ink @marionwriters

Great discussion at Sunday Afternoon Crime on Sunday with JP Pomare and Karen Viggers. JP has a lot of fans in Canberra so it was great that he could stop by and spend some time chatting about crime writing, the criminal justice system and his latest thriller 17 Years Later. Who really killed the Primrose family? The violent slaughter of the Primrose family while they slept shocked the nation. Their young live-in chef, Bill Kareama, was swiftly charged with murder and brought to justice. But the brutal crime scarred the idyllic town of Cambridge forever. Seventeen years later, true-crime podcaster Sloane Abbott tracks down prison psychologist TK Phillips. Once a fierce campaigner for an appeal, TK now lives a quiet life with Bill's case firmly in his past. As Sloane lures a reluctant TK back into the fight, evidence emerges that casts new light on the Primroses - and who might have wanted them dead. While the list of suspects grows, Bill's innocence is still far from assured. What will it cost Sloane and TK to uncover the truth? JP is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie (2018), won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing (2019) was made into a Disney+ Original Series, The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies (2020) was a #1 Audible bestseller and was shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The Last Guests (2021) was critically acclaimed, as was his fifth book, the top-ten bestseller The Wrong Woman (2022). Home Before Night is his sixth novel and was first published as an Audible Original. J.P. Pomare was born in New Zealand and resides in Melbourne with his wife and daughter. @jppomare @karen_viggers @secretsfromthegreenroom #crimefiction #17YearsLater

To celebrate the upcoming school holidays the next competition from the Spring Reading Guide is for our junior readers! Suitable for ages 3+, Words That Taste Like Home is a heart warming picture book about how language can connect us to our culture and hold on to the people we love. Rohan loves spending time with his grandmother. But when he moves to a different country and learns a new language, words from his first language start slipping away until one day there are none left. How will Rohan find the words to tell his grandmother a story again? Enter online for your chance to WIN a set of picture books from the award-winning duo Sandhya Parappukkaran and Michelle Pereira who created this delightful read. https://buff.ly/3L7UYON #kidsbooks #kidsbookcow #thebookcowkingston #newbooks #childrensbook #childrensseries #bookshop #bookseller #bookstore #childrensbooks #kidsbookstagram #bookworms @sandhya_librarybagbooks @michellepereira.illustration

We have plenty more planned at The Book Cow for the rest of September! We'd love to see you at one (or all!) of our upcoming events: 📖 OzLit Book Club ~ Featuring Psykhe by Kate Forsyth - 6pm Wednesday 25th September 🥢Chopsticks or Fork? Book launch special event at Winning Appliances Kingston ~ 2pm Saturday 28th September 🐿️ Too Many Acorns by Susannah Crispe book launch ~ 11am Sunday 29th September 🔍 Sunday Afternoon Crime Event ~ 17 Years Later by J.P Pomare - 2pm Sunday 29th September As always, tickets are FREE but bookings are essential via Humanitix. See you soon! #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #crimefiction #thriller #bookclub #bookclubreads #kidsbookcow #BookLaunch #newrelease #newbooks #childrensbook #ecofantasy #youngadultfiction #fantasyfiction #kidsnonfiction #nonfictionbooks #kidsfiction #bookworms

If you're looking for a fantastic Sunday afternoon event, don't miss the next Book Club at the NFSA event, presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. You can catch the screening of Desiree Akhavan’s adaptation of The Miseducation of Cameron Post, adapted from the award-winning YA novel by Emily M Danforth. This moving film offers a heartfelt coming-of-age story and a razor-sharp critique of ‘gay conversation therapy’. The screening will be followed by a discussion with special guest Cadance Bell, in conversation with CWF Artistic Director Beejay Silcox. Bell is a celebrated Australian director, producer and writer, and author of the critically acclaimed memoir The All of It: A Bogan Rhapsody. 📅 This Sunday, September 22nd at 1pm 📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA Acton 🎟️ $20 at the Box Office or enjoy a 20% discount by booking online via nfsa.gov.au/events! @nfsaonline @cbrwritersfest #themiseducationofcameronpost #cameronpost #movieevent #themiseducationofcameronpostmovie #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbti #lgbtmovies #movies #lgbtqa #lgbteens #lgbt

The competitions and giveaways keep coming this month as part of our Spring Reading Guide 🏆 This one is a chance to win a signed copy of Art Hour at the Duchess Hotel by Sophie Green. The Duchess Hotel might just be the place to help the four women rediscover who they are and bring some spark back to their lives. Over canvas, conversation and creativity they will learn that you should always hold onto your dreams and that new friends can give you the courage to live life on your own terms. Enter now for your chance to WIN - online at https://buff.ly/3L7UYON Happy spring reading! 🌼 #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #bookstagram #books #aussiereaders #bookworm #booklover @sophiegreenbooks @hachetteaus

Let’s go on a renewable energy adventure and imagine a brighter future for the whole blinkin’ planet! 💡🌏 Engaging TV host and science communicator Lee Constable and renowned program manager, researcher and science communicator Joe Duggan set out on an electrifying mission exploring the future of energy. Find out more about everyday energy, our fossil-fuel climate culprits – coal, oil and gas – and the exciting world of renewables. ♻️ Power up your brains! ⚡ As an imagineer and eco-superhero, you will level up your energy know-how through quick quizzes and shocking facts, and learn more about the science behind power. You can be a bright spark just like our superhero, Captain Kilowatt. It’s going to be a tonne of blinkin’ fun! Tickets are free but bookings are essential, and are available now on Humanitix!

Sometimes we get some very busy dogs in the book shop and Myla was no exception, a very curious 6-year old puppy with a very cute smile! Thanks for visiting us Myla. #dogsofthebookcow #dogsofinstagram

Introducing Kingston, the dog with the same name as the suburb he frequents! This lovely boy popped in to check out the shop and was very happy in his owners arms. It is very tiring walking around the book shop, you know! #dogsofinstagram #bookdogs #dogsofinstagram

Next up in the Spring Reading Guide giveaways is from an author we are looking forward to welcoming in store at the end of the month to launch his new thriller 17 Years Later - JP Pomare. The violent slaughter of the Primrose family while they slept shocked the nation. The family's young live-in chef, Bill Kareama, was swiftly charged with murder and brought to justice. Seventeen years later, true crime podcaster Sloane Abbott tracks down prison psychologist TK Phillips, who was once a fierce campaigner for an appeal. As Sloane and TK attempt to uncover the truth, evidence emerges that casts new light on the Primroses - and who might have wanted them dead. Enter online now for your chance to WIN a whole set of J.P. Pomare thrillers, https://buff.ly/3L7UYON And don't forget to join us with JP on 29 September at the Book Cow. Check out our events link in our bio for more details. #thebookcowkingston #bookstagram #adultfiction #thriller #newrelease #newbooks #booklovers #17YearsLater #PsychologicalThriller #CrimeFiction #Books @jppomare @hachetteaus

🌸 Spring has sprung, and we're buzzing with excitement this September at The Book Cow! 🐝 Our store is a hive of activity all month long. We’ve lined up an array of fabulous free events for booklovers of every age, so don’t miss out! Secure your tickets online and pop by - we'd love to see you. 🎟️📚 #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #crimefiction #thriller #bookclub #bookclubreads #kidsbookcow #BookLaunch #newrelease #newbooks #childrensbook #ecofantasy #youngadultfiction #fantasyfiction #kidsnonfiction #nonfictionbooks #kidsfiction #bookworms

The Book Cow is also the new home of the OzLit Book Club from this month! 📖🐮 Our first event is coming up very soon on September 25th where we will be focusing on Psyke by Kate Forsythe. The story of Psyche and Eros has been told for more than two-and-a-half thousand years. Kate Forsyth infuses it with new vigour as a life-affirming celebration of female strength, sexual desire, and empowerment. Come and join the conversation; spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome but spaces are limited. Reserve your seat now via Humanitix 💻 You can purchase a copy of the book online at www.bookcow.com.au or instore 📙 #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #bookclub #books #booklovers #bookworms #goodreads #fiction #literature

We are celebrating Indigenous Literacy Day with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) on Wednesday 4 September! Have you ever heard of a Moondagutta? Or Booglies? Register for the special FILM and LIVESTREAM celebrating stories, cultures, and languages, featuring many Proud Voices For Country. Register on their website www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au or at @indigenousliteracyfoundation. On Wednesday 4 September we will donate 10% of all sales made in store or on our website to the Foundation to help them continue their important work to give good quality books to Indigenous communities across Australia, to promote reading in communities and to publish more books in Indigenous languages. Want to help out? Donate to the ILF as part of our fundraising drive. Find out more at our website. We will match any donations made to the Foundation via our fundraising donation page. #IndigenousLiteracyDay #ILD2024 #ReadingOpensDoors #IndigenousLiteracyFoundation @indigenousliteracyfoundation

Had a great time yesterday catching up with @drdaniellecamer to help with the Canberra launch of her latest picture book Squirrel Takes The Cake. She brought along her own squirrel and, of course, some cake which we had fun sharing in the shop on what was a very windy day. We even found some acorns along the way! Squirrel takes the Cake is Danielle's second picture book. Her first book Sophie Won't Sleep has been nominated for the People's Choice ABLE award. It has won a bunch of awards across the globe but it is up for voting now so check out the link in Danielle's socials to giver her some support!! Thank you for dropping by Danielle!! #kidsbookswelove #drdaniellecamer #ablebookaward Written by @drdaniellecamer Illustrations @maiabatumashvili Publisher #StarfishBayPublishing #booklaunch #launching #launchevent #meettheauthor #bookstagram #booklaunching #starfishbaypublishing #supportlocal #supportbookstores #kidsbookswelove #readingskids #awardwinningauthor #drdaniellecamer

We here at the Book Cow know that dogs should not eat chocolate, but that shouldn't stop them reading about it! 🍫 Here is Charlie with his favourite book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thanks for visiting us and for being so cute Charlie! 🐶 #dogsofthebookcow #dogsofinstagram #bookdogs

Happy Father's Day from all of us at The Book Cow! We hope you enjoy the day with your families and loved ones. 🫶🌻🌞📚🐮

The Book Cow is on the lookout for an enthusiastic, dedicated, and experienced bookseller to join our team. This casual/part-time position offers an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about books and excels in providing exceptional customer service. Key Responsibilities: * Provide knowledgeable and engaging recommendations to customers across various genres, including children’s literature. * Assist with stock processing, special orders, customer inquiries, window displays, and other shop duties. * Contribute to running events, social media content, and other shop activities. * Maintain a flexible schedule, including availability on weekends and during peak periods (October to January). The Ideal Candidate: * Has at least 3 years of experience in bookselling or a related retail environment (bookselling experience is highly desirable but not essential). * Can commit to working a minimum of 24 hours per week, including Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays. Flexibility for additional shifts during busy periods is a plus. * Thrives in a fast-paced environment and handles competing demands efficiently. * Possesses a solid knowledge of books and authors across various genres and is eager to expand this knowledge. * Demonstrates a genuine interest in the operations of a small, family-owned business and is prepared for a hands-on role, which includes everything from stock management to customer service. We especially welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in education, children’s books, or literature. Employment Details: Part-time or casual arrangements considered under the General Retail Industry Award. Must be available for weekends (penalty rates apply). Immediate start required with availability in the lead up to Christmas (our busiest period). Full training provided. Questions?: Contact us by email at admin@bookcow.com.au To Apply: Send your resume, along with at least two references, to admin@bookcow.com.au by 5pm Monday, 9 September 2024.

Thank you to everyone who came along to the latest Rainbow Holstein Book Club Meeting! 🥳 We had a wonderful time drinking chai at Ambi's Chai, and discussing Tasha Suri's 'The Jasmine Throne', the first instalment in 'The Burning Kingdoms' series. 🤩🌿 The next books we are reading are 'Gentlest of Wild Things' by Sarah Underwood, and '100 Queer Poems' edited by Mary Jean Chan and Andrew McMillan. 📜 Purchase your books in store or online, using the book club code RAINBOW, for 10% off these titles! Keep your eyes out for upcoming meeting dates; one in October and one in December! 🫰 Happy reading! #bookclub #queer #books #lgbtqiaplus

Our Spring Reading Guide is out now, bursting with incredible titles for every book lover and better still - opportunities to WIN free books! 📚 This competition is celebrating Matt Haig's new novel released on September 3rd, The Life Impossible. When retired Maths teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan. Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the Balearics Grace searches for answers about her friend's life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning. For details on how to go in the draw for a chance to win a set of favourite Matt Haig novels, head to https://buff.ly/3L7UYON to be in the draw - best of luck! 🤞🏻 #thebookcowkingston #newbooks #adultfiction #booklover #AllenandUnwin 📖 @mattzhaig @allenandunwin

WEAR IT PURPLE DAY 2024 'Your passion, your pride.' 💜 On 30th of August 2024, we celebrate Wear it Purple Day! This day shows LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia and the world, that they are respected and valued, acknowledging that they have the right to be proud of who they are, and who they are growing to be. 💗 2024's focus is on commemorating queer youth openly and visibly achieving their dreams in sport, art, science and more! 🏐🎨🧪🔭🎶 These books are just a few on The Book Cow's shelves, which honour and celebrate queer voices, characters and lives. 🥳 #wearitpurpleday2024 #books #queer #lgbtqiaplus

The Book Cow is pleased to bring the Translations Book Club across to our pasture from September 2024! 📖🐄🐮 We are hosting our first event soon on September 10th where we will be focusing on Eastbound by Maylis De Kerangal. Eastbound is both an adventure story and a duet of two vibrant inner worlds. In mysterious, winding sentences gorgeously translated by Jessica Moore, De Kerangal gives us the story of two unlikely souls entwined in a quest for freedom with a striking sense of tenderness, sharply contrasting the brutality of the surrounding world. Come and join the conversation! Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. New members are most welcome but spaces are limited. Reserve your seat now via Humanitix 💻 You can purchase a copy of the book online at www.bookcow.com.au or instore 📙 #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston #bookclub #books #booklovers #bookworms #goodreads #fiction #literature

On Thursday we had a visit from a gentle giant, Humphrey. He was very interested in sniffing out some Father's Day gifts for a special someone and seeking out some gentle pats. Thanks for visiting us Humphrey! Woof! #dogsofthebookcow #bookdogs #greyhoundsofinstagram

Left it until the last minute to secure Dad a Father's Day gift? Don't worry, we've got you covered with a bounty of great reads you can still get your hands on as easy as 1, 2, 3! Simply: 👀 Browse our extensive Father's Day Gift Guide online 💡 Pick out the perfect book, and 🛍️ Come and see us in store to pick it up We're open Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm ⌚ Happy shopping! #thebookcowkingston #bookseller #bookstore #fathersday2024 #fathersdaygifts

Father's Day is just around the corner, and we've got you covered with a fantastic array of gift ideas for all the special men in your life! Dive into our Gift Guide, brimming with fantastic book recommendations that will make the perfect present. From crime to sports or getting some new Dad-Joke material, there's something for everyone! 🪖 Award-winning author and historian Mark Dapin covers Simpson's donkey and the Emu War to Vietnam and Ben Roberts-Smith and Australian military history that is full of events that didn't happen the way most people think they did. 📰 The Inside Story of How Media Moguls Abused Their Power, Manipulated the Truth and Distorted Democracy; Crikey owner and ex-News Corp and Fairfax editor Eric Beecher lifts the lid on the abuse of power by media moguls. 🪙 Ian W. Shaw's The Golden Gang tells the story of Bushranger Frank Gardiner and the biggest gold robbery in Australian history. 🥊 In The Good Fight, Harry Garside, Australia's ballet dancing boxing star, offers a raw and unfiltered account of his journey through sport, unexpected challenges and personal growth. 😂 Perfect for dads and lovers of cheesy puns and one-liners, this pocket-sized collection offers a year's worth of mirth suitable for all ages for the Dad who needs to add to his repertoire. 🏈 Rugby League in the 1980s captures the biggest moments in rugby league's most colourful decade. Features over 200 photographs and key statistics perfect for any NRL fan. 🍺The new biography from award-winning historian David Day sheds new light on the early years of a political legend. From Rhodes Scholar to union leader to political powerhouse: Bob Hawke was Australia's iconic larrikin PM. 🔎 For the lovers of crime, in the fifth novel in Tim Ayliffe's John Bailey thriller series The Wrong Man, Bailey is trying to solve two murders, ten years apart – unfinished business from his former flame Sharon Dexter. But will it cost him his life? 🛍️ Swing by our store at 47 Jardine Street, Kingston, or browse our online shop for these fantastic gift ideas and more! Let's make this Father's Day one to remember! 📚✨ #FathersDayGifts #thebookcowkingston

Thelma is a new action-comedy film with a whole lot of heart, starring Oscar-nominee June Squibb in her first leading role at 93. The film also features trailblazing actor Richard Rountree (Shaft) in his final screen role, as well as Parker Posey and White Lotus’ Fred Hechinger. When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. The film is Josh Margolin’s feature directorial debut and is inspired by his own grandmother’s real-life experience with phone scammers. Thelma puts a clever spin on movies like Mission: Impossible, shining the spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, Squibb portrays the strong-willed Thelma with grit and determination, demonstrating that she is more than capable of taking care of business – despite what her daughter Gail (Posey), son-in-law Alan (Gregg), or grandson Danny might believe. This film is a warm, funny, and charming cinema experience and we are pleased to have 3 Double Passes to give away to see this film. All you have to do is: ✅ Like this post AND ✅ Tag the friend you would take along to this screening. The winners will be announced on Friday 30 August 2024💥 Good luck! #Thelmamovie #DoublePassGiveaway #MovieNight #CinephileCommunity #ticketgiveaway #tagafriend @jmargo999 Maslow Entertainment

We'd love you to join us for the launch of Colly Campbell's new book Judge Rosa Somberly: The Caiman v Tau al-Gorz, a young adult eco-fantasy loved by teenagers and fantasy readers of all ages. Come along for a look and a chat and be among the first to get your copy signed! Judge Rosa is the story of a mysterious Judge “with a touch of the wild” who must preside over conflicts in a court where anyone or anything can seek justice. Judge Rosa Somberly is a tangled tale in which Judge Rosa and her disreputable Judge’s Associate Benji, an art-thief and urban explorer, grapple with cases in this otherworldly court where witnesses are unable to lie, and the dead can give evidence. This book has great appeal across age groups from young adults (14-18 yrs) to grandparents. ⏲️ 6pm 📅 Wednesday September 18th 📍 The Book Cow Kingston Tickets are free but bookings essential, and are open now - see you there! @collyology #judgerosasomberly #ecofantasy #youngadultfiction #fantasyfiction #minoans #urbanfantasy #BookCowEvents #thebookcowkingston

Join us on Wednesday 4 September at 6pm for what will be a great book chat with Sarah Underwood - author of Gentlest of Wild Things and Barbie Robinson from Living Arts Canberra. Free but RSVP via the link in our bio. A fantasy romance inspired by Greek mythology and the tale of Eros and Psyche. On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire—love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a power-hungry descendent of the god Eros. Eirene and her beloved twin sister, Phoebe, have always managed to escape Desire’s thrall. Until Leandros’ wife dies mysteriously and he sets his sights on Phoebe. Determined to keep her sister safe, Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: if she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger; something related to Desire and Lamia, the strange, neglected daughter Leandros keeps locked away. Lamia knows her father hides her for her own protection, though as she and Eirene grow closer, she finds herself longing for the outside world. But the price of freedom is high, and with something deadly—something hungry—stalking the night, that price must be paid in blood... Sarah Underwood grew up in Devon, England. A data scientist by training, she obtained her MEng in Computational Bioengineering at Imperial College, London and her MPhil in Population Health Sciences at the University of Cambridge. She now works in the Big Data Institute at the University of Oxford. Her first novel, Lies We Sing to the Sea, became an instant New York Times, indie, and international bestseller. Her second novel, Gentlest of Wild Things, which is a Young Adult fantasy inspired by the myth of Eros and Psyche (with a sapphic, vampiric twist). @s_e_c_underwood @barbierobinson56 #gentlestofwildthings #bookks #fantasy #myth #romance #eros #psyche

📚 BOOK EVENT COMING UP📚 Date: Saturday, September 7 Time: 2:00pm at The Book Cow Join us at the Book Cow in Kingston for the Canberra launch of CBCA Notable picture book The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue by Award-winning Blue Mountains children's author Jodie McLeod. Come along with the Black Cockatoo in this fun, read-aloud adventure through the Australian bush as she searches for her missing feather… and discovers what’s truly important. Kids will love the repetition of the title as they join the hunt for the feather thief – all the way to the book’s uplifting end! Jodie will be here for a reading of this beautiful book and will be signing copies, PLUS all children will receive a FREE GIFT! Don't miss this special event! 🌟 #booklaunch #newbook #CBR #Canberra #kidsbooks @jodiemcleodwriter @wollemipress @eloiseshortdesign

We're super excited to be welcoming Danielle Camer back to The Book Cow Kingston for the launch of her second picture book, Squirrel Takes the Cake! 🍰🐿️ Danielle will be available for a meet and greet as well as signing copies of this delightful story in-store on Saturday August 31st from 3.00pm. Join us to celebrate with Danielle this sweet tale about a greedy squirrel who discovers the joy of sharing cake with friends. Squirrel loves cake. But Squirrel refuses to share cake with friends. After realising he is too full to play, Squirrel learns he has been greedy. Will he make it up to his friends? Tickets are free but bookings essential. We look forward to seeing you there! Written by @drdaniellecamer Illustrations @maiabatumashvili Publisher #StarfishBayPublishing #booklaunch #launching #launchevent #meettheauthor #bookstagram #booklaunching #starfishbaypublishing #melbourneevents #supportlocal #supportbookstores #kidsbookswelove #melbourne #melbourneparents #readingskids #awardwinningauthor #drdaniellecamer

Congratulations to all the winning and honour books in the CBCA Book of the Year announcements yesterday. The announcements reflect the creativity and talent of so many authors, illustrators, publishers and creatives involved in making stories for kids that are engaging, original and fun to read. The Book Cow watched the announcement from the National Library. It was great to see so many local Canberra schools (primary and high school ) in attendance to watch the announcement but also share their creative responses as part of the CBCA's shadow judging project. The responses were all amazing, diverse and very very creative. The announcements kick start what will be a busy week for many schools and school libraries - with Book Week 2024 bigger than ever before. We have lots of kids wandering the shelves of the shop looking for book week character costume inspiration. And we have been busy setting up book fairs for a record number of local schools across Canberra (and the region!!). Thanks for hosting us Orana, Red Hill, Braidwood Preschool, Wiradjuri Preschool, Holy Family, Farrer, Chapman, Yarralumla, Mount Rogers, Campbell High, St Bede's and St Jude's Enjoy the week and marvel in the magic that reading a book can bring to your life - at any age. #celebrate #australianauthor #celebratebooks #australianbooks #cbca2024 #kidsbooks #reading #kidslit #childrensbookpublishing #cbca #BookAwards #bookawards #greatreads #ChildrensLiterature #cbcabookoftheyearawards #booksforkids #readingtime #australianillustrator #australianchildrensbooks #bookoftheyear #bookoftheyearaward #awards2024 #bookaward #CBCA2024 @cbcaustralia

We had a visit today from the lovely Molly. Young at heart at 14 years old, she still had time for a quick read of a picture book, Molly and the Whale and of course, some treats. Thanks for visiting today Molly, we hope you had a nice nap after your big outing. #dogsofthebookcow #hismastersvoicedog #molly

It was great to host @sallymurphyauthor at the Book Cow to chat about and launch her latest verse novel The Riding Gallery. Based on the true story of the St Kilda merry-go-round during World War I, Anton, a German immigrant, fulfills his dream of creating the most beautiful steam driven “riding gallery” – a merry-go-round – in the world. Evelyn, who has just moved to the city, befriends local boy, Rory, but the war, and anti-German sentiment, soon takes its toll on the children, Anton, their families and the riding gallery itself. But the extra special thing for us is that the St Kilda merry go round lives here in Canberra - as the Civic merry go round. Next time you walk past take a moment find out a bit more about the merry go round and the man who created it - Anton Weniger. #merrygoround #booklaunch #kidsbooks #versenovels #booklaunch #ridinggallery @walkerbooksaus #authorevent #versenovels #kidsbooks @walkerbooksaus

It was a slightly dark and scary night as we joined JJ Carpenter to help launch book two in the much anticipated sequel in the Corner of her Eye series - The Road. Local Canberra author Kaaron Warren sat in the other chair and led us in an engaging and fun discussion about writing horror stories. Charlie White thought this was the end. She thought once she accepted her fate as a Keeper of Purgatory, her story would conclude. But she's just scratched the surface; this is only the beginning. As she grapples with an ever-expanding new world beyond the grave, she begins to draw imbalanced, disturbed and helpless spirits to herself in greater and greater numbers. How deep must she venture through the layers of purgatory? And who else - or rather what else - lurks in the shadows of limbo? It's not just Charlie whose sanity, life and reality are under threat any more. But just how much rests on her shoulders? And will she figure out how to fulfil her duty before she runs out of time? Missed the event? We have copies in store this weekend!! #ghosthorror #supernaturalfiction #horrorcommunity #horrorbooks #thrillerlover #horrorbooksarethebest #historicalfiction #historylovers #mysterybooks #thrillerreads #supernaturalthriller #ghoststories #TCOHE #thecornerofhereye #jjcarpenter @jjcarpenterauthor