Just like a good TV show, a beloved book series can lift our mood. Here are some of the best for kids.
We all know that feeling of having a favourite TV series we return to again and again: Once we find something we like, we stick to it. When watching a series we enjoy, our brains produce dopamine as a reward, which makes us feel good. Book series can produce that same positive feedback, without the downside of too much screen time and its sleep-wrecking blue light. Try these series today . . .
AGES 6–8
WHAT ZOLA DID
Number of books in series: 7
The bestselling YA author of Looking for Alibrandi is back, and this time she's writing for six-year-olds! It was having her very own precious, intelligent yet reluctant-to-read daughter that inspired Melina to pen a new story filled with humour and mischief using simple language and quick chapters.
Mary Fowler
Number of books in series: 4
Hey. My name is Maz! A vibrant new series from football star Mary Fowler about friendship, sport and fun. From Mary Fowler, the most influential woman in Australian sport, comes a joyous new junior fiction series to engage, inspire and humour emerging readers aged six to nine.
Ages 9–11
Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Number of books in series: 21
Spin-off books: Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid, Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure, Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 1 & 2
Without a doubt, Wimpy Kid is one of the world’s most popular series. Kids will love the humour, the relatable situations, the familiar settings and the illustrations peppered throughout giving them something to swim to from every block of text.
Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey
Number of books in series: 21
Other series by author: Clementine Rose, Kensy and Max, Willa and Woof, The Girl and the Ghost
Alice-Miranda is the type of kid everyone wants as their best friend. She’s loyal and fun, forgiving and kind. Her unique way of looking at the world is uplifting and refreshing. Best of all, she manages to stumble across lots of mysteries to solve – who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in her world?
Sunny and Storm by Tanya Hennessy
A fun, funny illustrated series written by comedian, bestselling author and social media sensation, Tanya Hennessy.
'With its memorable characters, laugh-out-loud humour, and inventive storytelling, it’s the kind of book readers will race through and want to share with friends. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of many more adventures for these two unforgettable Besticles.' - Michelle O'Connell, ReadPlus
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Number of books in series: 8
Also check out: Artemis Fowl: The GRaphic Novel
With their new covers, it’s a great time to rediscover this cracking series, which contains magic in the grungiest, bad-ass kind of way. 12 year-old Artemis is a criminal mastermind who takes on more than he bargained for when he kidnaps leprechaun cop Holly Short. Love it!
Mr Bambuckle's remarkables by Tim Harris
Number of books in series: 4
Other books/series by author: Toffle Towers, Ratbags, Funny Fairytales
Imagine a teacher who cooks yummy breakfasts for the students, regales them with crazy tales, builds self-esteem and makes learning so fun the kids don’t even realise it’s educational. That’s Mr Bambuckle. Funny, uplifting and interspersed with kooky chats and asides, this is a winner.
Detective Beans by Li Chen
Number of books in series: 3
Enjoy all the wonderful adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! DETECTIVE BEANS AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING HAT was WINNER of the Best Junior Fiction book at the New Zealand Book Awards in 2025.
Ages 12–14
The Felix collection by Morris Gleitzman
Number of books in series: 6
Other series by author: Toad Rage
What began as a stand-alone tale about a young orphan in World War II, soon become a collection, as award-winning author and 2018–2019 Children’s Laureate Morris Gleitzman was continually drawn back into Felix’s life. Although it’s a confronting subject, it brims with hope, something many kids will relate to right now. Start the journey at Once.
Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Number of books in series: 13
Spin-off series: Brotherband, The Royal Ranger, Ranger’s Apprentice Early Years
Set in a medieval world not dissimilar to England, young Will dreams of being a knight but is instead apprenticed to a mysterious Ranger. Reluctantly he learns archery, pony wrangling and, importantly, the art of moving unseen. But will he be able to stop an assassination attempt against the king? Gripping!
Friday Barnes by R.A. Spratt
Number of books in series: 14
Other series by author: The Peski Kids, Nanny Piggins
When Friday Barnes solves a bank robbery, she uses the reward to attend boarding school. It turns out to be a hotbed of crime and Friday, our girl detective, has her work cut out for her. Full of dry wit, interesting observations and loveable characters – including a heroine who loves to read and think – this series is addictively delicious.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Number of books in series: 8
Other series by author: The Trialls of Apollo
Percy Jackson was just a normal kid: going to school, skateboarding, playing basketball. The usual. Until one day he vaporized his maths teacher. Then he discovered he was the son of a Greek god, a half-blood. When Zeus thinks Percy’s stolen his lightning bolt, things heat up, and the result is an action-packed ride, worthy of legend.
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And if you want a great sports series, kick off with Specky Magee!
The first book in the phenomenally successful series Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.
Move over, Matilda, and step aside, Madeline, there's a new charming miniature heroine about to make her mark.
The first novel in the extraordinary and multi-million-copy-bestselling Artemis Fowl series, now with a brand-new cover look!
When Mr Bambuckle arrives, laughs, thrills, silliness and imagination are guaranteed to follow!
Hey. My name is Maz! A vibrant new series from football star Mary Fowler about friendship, sport and fun.
In this hilarious full-colour graphic novel, Cat Town’s best kitten detective is on the case – of his very own missing hat!
A fun, funny illustrated adventure written by comedian, bestselling author and social media sensation, Tanya Hennessy.
The ultimate animal adventure series! From Taronga’s two Zoos comes a wild junior fiction series, purrfect for animal lovers aged 7 and up! Join best friends Sophia and Ollie as they experience a day in their DREAM JOB and get up-close and personal with all your favourite zoo animals, big and small.
A heartwarming and fabulously funny junior fiction series for girls and boys, told from the point of view of a dog looking for a new family. From irreverent funny man and unashamed mutt dog lover, Andrew Daddo, bestselling author of more than 50 books for younger readers, and illustrated by proven mutt dog expert, Stephen Michael King!
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