Now in its 80th year, children’s book week has sparked wonder and imagination in kids and adults for decades. To mark the event, which runs from August 16 to 23, Star Weekly spoke to Sunshine librarians Christian Arjona, Tram Le, and Michelle Sanahon.
What is your favourite book?
Christian: My favourite book has to be The Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. I’ve read it over 10 times. A comedic story about overcoming the odds, the struggles of survival and finding ultimate success and happiness. A light and enjoyable read for any age group or audience.
Tram: The Singing Mermaid. I enjoy reading this book for the children and talk about life lessons behind the story narrative.
Michelle: It would have to be The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis – not just for its storyline, but it was also the first novel I read as a kid, which makes it very memorable.
What are you reading at the moment?
Christian: One of the books that I am reading… slowly… is ‘Roadside Picnic” by the Strugatsky brothers. A science fiction tale of the remnants of an alien landing who have left their “trash” which happens to cause strange and dangerous phenomena within the “zone”. These artefacts are sought by government, scavengers and the military for their powers.
Tram: The Let Them Theory (Mel Robbins)
Michelle: Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors. I’m halfway through and really enjoying it.
What is one book everyone should read?
Christian: I have to recommend the Japanese manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki. It features a multitude of flamboyant, masculine and humorous characters in Araki’s distinctive art style. It follows the Joestar family throughout different generations who battle supernatural forces using superpowers called Stands. My favourite character is Jotaro Kujo!
Tram: The Happiness Trap: how to stop struggling and start living (Harris Russ)
Michelle: I think any book by Freida McFadden. I’ve recommended her books to a few people who wanted to get back into reading. Her books are easy to read, and who doesn’t love a plot twist?
