Kids on the coast

Release: September 30, rating G

Based on the beloved Guardians of Ga’Hoole books by Kathryn Lasky, this film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the mythical Guardians of Ga’ Hoole. Threatened by the Pure Ones, story becomes reality and Soren finds himself soaring across the sea in search of the Guardians to help him save the owl kingdoms.

Release: September 23, rating TBA

This wildly successful book comes to the screen and chronicles the adventures of wise-cracking middle school student Greg Heffley. Greg must somehow survive the scariest time of anyone’s life: middle school. Starring Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris and Devon Bostick.

Release: September 16, rating TBA

Cats and dogs are forced to join forces for the first time in history in an unlikely alliance to save themselves, and their humans, from Kitty Galore, a rogue former spy. This 3D story blends live action with state-of-the-art puppetry and computer animation.

Release: September 9, rating PG

Walt Disney Studios creates an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the centre of an ancient conflict between good and evil in modern day Manhattan. Stars Nicholas Cage, Alfred Molina and Jay Baruchel.

Release: September 9, rating PG

In a happy suburban neighbourhood sits a black house with a dead lawn. Deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout where Gru (Steve Carell) is planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon until he meets his greatest challenge, three little girls. Brought to you in 3D by Universal Studios.

Online shops are sometimes light on products for boys and this website fills in the gaps. Much of the content is unisex, and the majority suits kids under school age, but a good start and worth watching as the site expands.

Lucy Christopher

Here is a sensitive novel dealing with relationships, family life, grief and joy. While there are moments of sadness, it is not a depressing book. It manages to deal with difficult issues but still offer hope and happiness amidst the ups and downs of life. There is also poignant use of the journey of a swan which adds a symbolic and almost magical quality to the story. Suitable for children 10+ (particularly girls). $17.00

Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

These two continue to work together to provide us with entertaining books for young people. Jackie French always manages to convey a story with an underlying piece of history in a way that is fun and educational at the same time. Apparently very few women wore underpants at the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign so approaching the dilemma of what sort of underpants to make for her from the point of view of a child presents a wonderful collection of suggestions and illustrations. Suitable for children 4+. $25.00

Kylie Dunstan

If you are looking for a book for a child to give to their dad on Father’s Day, then this would be ideal. It is a delightful story of a girl who celebrates the way that her father gives her the courage to face all sorts of things in her day to day life. The illustrations by this artist are quite unusual as she uses a rough collage technique which is very effective. Suitable for children 3+. 17.00

Stephen Michael King

If you haven’t come across the work of this author/ illustrator then you should certainly look out for him. He has a quirky yet charming and sensitive style which has won him awards. This is a book about appreciation of someone you value. It is the sort of book you could give a child or an adult to show that you care for them. Suitable for all ages. $20.00