VPRC 3-4

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge runs every year and kids are encouraged to read a set number of books and to record their reading efforts online. For more information about the rules, dates and how to register, visit the Challenge Webpage.

Children from Year 3 to Year 4 are challenged to read 15 books. Below are some books from the challenge book list that you can borrow from Wyndham City Libraries.

Updated June 6, 2023
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Wyndham Library
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The Offline Diaries
Adegoke, Yomi
Paper Book
'A fresh, lively story about friendship - Ade and Shanice are such real girls' Jacqueline Wilson The major new middle-grade series from the authors of Slay in Your Lane is here! A universal story of friendship, falling out and unforgettable characters that will resonate...
The memory thief
Agnew, Leonie
Paper Book
A lonely troll and a fierce, spiky girl form an unlikely alliance in Leonie Agnew's extraordinary novel for children aged 9 years and up. Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction 2022 Seth has been trapped behind the iron bars of...
Journey
Becker, Aaron
Paper Book
A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination -- and unexpected friendship. A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a...
Jedi Academy
Brown, Jeffrey
Paper Book
Author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown takes readers to a middle school in a galaxy far, far away.... Also, a NY Times Bestseller!This incredible, original story captures all of the humor, awkwardness, fun, and frustrations of middle school--all told through one boy's comics, journal entries, letters...
Bully on the bus
Apel, Kathryn
Paper Book
She's big. She's smart. She's mean. She picks on me and I don't know how to make her stop. Leroy has a 'Secret Weapon', but will it help him find the strength and courage he needs to overcome the bully's taunts once and for all? A beautifully crafted verse novel that...
Rain dance
Applegate, Cathy.
Paper Book
Australia is a hot, dry land. Living on a farm is no fun when it hasn't rained for two whole years, and this family has been hit hard by the drought. One day the sky changes, as it has so many times before with false promises of rain. But today it really does bring rain, and it is a day to remember....
The one and only Ivan
Applegate, Katherine
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan is now a major motion picture streaming on Disney+ This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of...
Birthday party bedlam
Arena, Jacqueline.
Paper Book
Rachel is planning party games for her little cousin's birthday and talks Ellie into helping her. One disaster follows another, especially when Rachel's brother adds to the bedlam. Ages 7+.
Ancient Egypt
Arlon, Penelope
Paper Book
A visual guide to ancient Egypt for newly confident readers. This book is packed with exclusive photos so that kids can see ancient Egypt like never before! The images are accompanied by time lines, step-by-steps, and cross-section graphics for original and startling insights into...
Meet... Nancy-Bird Walton
Atwood, Grace
Paper Book
In this latest addition to the picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia's history, learn about Australia's first female commercial pilot, Nancy Bird Walton Nancy Bird Walton grew up during the golden age of aviation. By the time she was 13,...
The Nelly Gang
Axelsen, Stephen
Paper Book
Will Nelly and her friends be able to rescue Pa from the bushrangers and retrieve the gold? Christmastown, 1859. Everyone on the goldfields wants to get rich. But when Nelly and her pa, Paddy, finally strike gold, bushrangers are ready to pounce. Will Nelly and her gang be...
Sonam and the silence
Ayres, Eddie
Paper Book
In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Sonam's world is dark and silent. Then one day, she follows a magical melodious sound to a walled garden, and her world is silent no more. The sound is music, and it lifts her up amongst the stars and takes her deeper than the tree roots in the earth. How can she...
The finding of Freddie Perkins
Baddaley, Liz
Paper Book
Freddie Perkins has lost a lot. His mum, for a start. His friends and his home, now he's been dragged up to Scotland to live with his granny. And even his dad - because even though Dad's still there, he and Freddie can't seem to talk any more. But something is watching Freddie....
Birthday Boy
Baddiel, David
Paper Book
A hilarious rollercoaster ride of pure entertainment for 9+ readers everywhere, Birthday Boy is the new Baddiel Blockbuster: featuring David's inimitable and award-winning combination of wish-fulfilment, heart and hilarity, all brought to life by regular collaborator Jim Field's witty, stylish...
A very good idea
Badger, Meredith
Paper Book
Marcus and Mila Tinkler are VERY good at climbing. But can they go from their house to the town clock tower without once touching the ground? It will probably be hard. It will probably be dangerous. And almost certainly dirty. It's a very good idea!
Message in a sock
Baillie, Kaye
Paper Book
Shortlisted for 2019 NSW Premier's History Award: Young people's history prize Tammy is safe at home, but her heart is with her father at the warfront. While her mother knits socks for the soldiers, Tammy slips a message inside each pair. But will her one special message find her...
Rivertime
Balla, Trace
Paper Book
A gentle and beautiful book about slowing down and growing up, set on Australia's Glenelg River and featuring a ten-year-old boy and his uncle.
Coming home to country
Bancroft, Bronwyn
Paper Book
Run to the creek, perch on a rock, slip into clear crystal water. A visual and lyrical depiction of coming home to country from acclaimed author and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft.
Re-zoom
Banyai, Istvan.
Paper Book
Open this wordless book and take off on a mindbending visual journey full of twists, turns, and surprises--from the creator of "Zoom!". Full color. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
The Mousehole cat
Barber, Antonia
Paper Book
When the Great Storm-Cat threatens the small English village of Mousehole, only an old fisherman's cat can soothe its fierceness during a dangerous sea venture.
The seventh unicorn
Barber, Shirley.
Paper Book
There was something magical about the old mirror at the entrance to Aunt Zelda's gift ship. Rachel sometimes imagined she glimpsed a beautiful land in it. Then one day Rachel and her brother Robert polished the mirror. A pearl-white unicorn leaped out of it. Just the beginning of an amazing...
Circle
Barnett, Mac
Paper Book
From the dynamic, dream team of Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett comes the final instalment in the hilarious shape trilogy. "Simple shapes and succinct story express big ideas. Makes us consider fear of strangers, the power of the imagination, being brave and standing by friends" Sunday Times Triangle...
Ivy + Bean and the ghost that had to go
Barrows, Annie.
Paper Book
Second-graders Ivy and Bean set out to expel the ghost who is living in the girls' bathroom at their school.
The aboriginal peoples of Australia
Bartlett, Anne.
Paper Book
Taking an in-depth look at distinct aboriginal cultures, these comprehensive volumes balance information about both traditional and modern lifeways. From their history and cultural practices to their religions and the landscapes they call home, discover the intricacies of each featured native...
Moonfish
Base, Graeme
Paper Book
A Tale of Two Worlds The fish that live in the pond beneath the dragon-moon are happy. They know the moon will keep them safe. But it was not always like this . . . There was a time when they looked to the skies with fear. From The Genius Behind Animalia<...
Peter in peril : courage and hope in World War Two
Bate, Helen
Paper Book
Peter is just an ordinary boy, who loves playing football with his friends and eating cake - until war comes to his city and the whole family have to go into hiding... This moving, true story of the Second World War, set in Budapest, Hungary, shows in vivid words and pictures how Peter, his...
Oh brother
Bates, Sonya Spreen
Paper Book
Moving to a new city and a new school is never easy. So Lauren is relieved when Callie, Treena and Maddy welcome her into their group. But then Lauren witnesses their reaction to a first grader in a wheelchair. That boy is her little brother, Will. But she's afraid that if she tells them, they may...
Dreaming soldiers
Bauer, Catherine
Paper Book
WINNER of the 2019 Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards - Indigenous Children Category "The simple story-telling combines with stunning images to honour the service and contribution of Australian veterans, and Aboriginal soldiers." ...
Ada Twist, scientist
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?" Don't miss Ada's further adventures-with her friends...
Dale
Beck, Adrian
Paper Book
Stuff happens sometimes. Everyday stuff. At school, at home, with sport, with mates. For Dale it happened during a school play. Dale is a story about an odd but likeable redhead who decides to take revenge on Dan, the coolest kid in school. Dale intends to embarrass Dan during...
The caravan at the edge of doom
Beckett, Jim
Paper Book
The perfect summer read for fans of Terry Pratchett, David Walliams and Roald Dahl! When her grandparents explode in their caravan toilet late one night, twelve-year-old Harley discovers a surprising truth: their toilet is a gateway to the Land of the Dead, and they are its Guardians....
Muster me a song : the Anne Bell reciter
Bell, Anne.
Paper Book
Lemonade Jones and the great school fete
Bell, Davina
Paper Book
Lemonade Jones - a feisty girl with a lot of fizz! A warm, funny story for the beginning reader about the girl who likes to ask lots of questions and does NOT like rules.
Fall of a kingdom
Bell, Hilari.
Paper Book
Who was Sorahb? Stories are told of a hero who will come to Farsala's aid when the need is greatest. But for thousands of years the prosperous land of Farsala has felt no such need, as it has enjoyed the peace that comes from being both feared and respected. Now a new enemy...
Burning the bails : the story of the Ashes
Bell, Krista
Paper Book
Several generations of Australian cricket fans have wondered why the Ashes, the supposed trophy for the Test Series between Australia and England, remain in London, having only visited Australia twice in over one hundred years, despite Australian victories. Burning the Bails recounts for the first...
Do not lick this book
Ben-Barak, Idan
Paper Book
A brilliantly simple, funny, interactive picture book that introduces children to the strange, unseen world of microbes all around them by the award-winning author of Small Wonders and the animator of the insanely successful video 'Dumb Ways to Die' featuring scanning electron microscope...
The little stowaway : a true story
Bennett, Vicki
Paper Book
France. Winter. 1918. The First World War is over. An brave and determined little French orphan, Honore, wanders through the snow, cold and hungry and lost. When he stumbles on the Australian Flying Corps and meets airman, Tim Tovell, his life is changed forever. This is a story of a remarkable...
Stephen Biesty's giant vehicles
Green, Rod
Paper Book
Minou
Bingham, Mindy.
Paper Book
A cat who does not know how to take care of herself is abandoned in the streets of Paris and discovers self-reliance by working as a mouser at the Notre Dame Cathedral.
The baddest day ever
Blabey, Aaron
Paper Book
All hail Crown Prince Marmalade! SURRENDER to his evil magnificence! KNEEL before his butt-handed glory! Or . . . like . . . DONT! The BAD GUYS and even BADDER GIRLS might have been knocked down, but does that mean theyll stay down? NO WAY, CHICOS! Whip out your war cry and pull on your party pants....
Against the odds
Black, Ivan.
Yuba is haunted by food, and he is teased about being overweight. One day, he meets Yaswin and is inspired to compete in a triathlon. Can Yuba finish the race? And how will this experience change his life?Reading Age: 9.5 yearsGenre: FantasySubject: Life Science - Human Body
Eve and the fiery phoenix
Black, Jess
Paper Book
When Eve and Oscar are exploring an old curio shop, Eve finds a small crystal figurine of a tiger. Before she realises what it is, she touches it and finds herself hurtling down a fast-flowing river towards a steep waterfall. Its happening again! Oscar and Eve have entered the dense jungle of...
Oshie
Blake, Jon.
Paper Book
Oshie starts at a new school and is shunned for his inability to play football. When he saves the day on the pitch, he wins the admiration, and hearts, of his classmates for the abilities which compensate for, and partially arise, out of his disability - Oshie has cerebral palsy.
Back to sleep
Foster Blake, Zo©±
Paper Book
Poor Finn is looking forward to drifting off to sleep in his cosy warm bed, when Mummy appears wanting a drink. Finn resettles her and has just fallen asleep, when he's woken again . . . this time by Daddy, who's had a bad dream. And so it goes. Just when Finn has one parent back to sleep, the other...
The very super bear
Bland, Nicholas
Paper Book
Theres a monster in the jungle and its gobbling up the trees! It sounds like a job for THE VERY SUPER BEAR! Can The Very Super Bear and his sidekick, Bruce the Goose, save the jungle from the cranky, yellow monster?
More Precious Than Gold: A Story of Inquisition Spain in The 1490's
Blatt, Evelyn
Paper Book
The folk of the faraway tree
Blyton, Enid
Paper Book
The Folk of the Faraway Tree is the third magical story in the Faraway Tree series by the world's best-loved children's author, Enid Blyton. When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to a new home, an Enchanted Wood is on their doorstep. And when they discover the Faraway Tree, that is the beginning...
The adventures of the wishing-chair
Blyton, Enid
Paper Book
Worms : the mechanics of organics
Bollard, Kellie
Paper Book
A bright, fun and informative rhyming story that explores the world of worms and the part they play in recycling organic waste; in the garden, in compost and in worm farms.
In the bin
Bollard, Kellie
Paper Book
All through the week we fill our bins with dirty, old and broken things. But ... where does it all go? Where does it end up? Find out in this fun and informative rhyming story about bins, recycling and all things rubbish.
Chaucer the cat and the animal pilgrims
Borlenghi, Patricia.
Paper Book
A procession of animals are going on a pilgrimage to the tomb of St Francis of Assisi. The journey is long and arduous, so one night Chaucer the cat suggests that each animal takes a turn to tell a story, to entertain its companions: these are their tales.
Captain Wetbeard
Bouchet, Bruno
Paper Book
When Emily and Daniel's parents send them on a rollicking pirate adventure holiday things go horribly wrong. there's something very weird about Captain Wetbeard's ship! A bald, farting parrot, a diet of chocolate-coated shrimps, plank-walking - these weren't in the holiday brochure!
And all that jazz
Bound, Samantha-Ellen
Paper Book
Meet four very different girls who all have one thing in common - they love to dance! Eleanor Irvin is ten years old, and dancing is her everything. Tap, ballet, lyrical, and ballroom - she's tried it all. But her favourite style, by far, is jazz. When Miss Caroline,...
The great house hunt
Cali, Davide
Paper Book
Mr. and Mrs. Polka-Dot are a young couple ready to settle down. With real estate agent Mr. Weevil, they search for their dream home. In this deliriously funny house-hunting marathon, the Polka-Dots view bizarre options: a moldy mushroom, a snail shell, a cork floating on the river, a crumbling sand...
Champ or Chicken
Brand, Jack
Paper Book
Freddy has to face his fears - specifically spiders, heights and being naked in public (although not necessarily in that order) - to get re-invited to Tabby's awesome birthday party. Humorous fiction for fans of Tom Gates and Big Nate.
Neville No-Phone
Branford, Anna
Paper Book
A laugh out loud story about not giving up. Neville is the only kid in his whole class without a mobile phone. Or so he tells his parents. When it's clear that Neville's parents can't be persuaded to get him a phone, Neville enlists the help of his mate, Enzo. Neville and Enzo...
Theme parks, playgrounds and toys
Brasch, Nicolas
Paper Book
This book is part of a compelling series posing and answering intriguing Science questions that upper primary students are curious about Focusing on theme parks, playgrounds and toys it presents information via 13 engaging question-and-answer spreads. The pages are highly visual and engaging, to...
Storm whale
Brennan, Sarah
Paper Book
Bleak was the day and the wind whipped down when I and my sisters walked to town  . . . With a powerful, poetic text, wonderful to read aloud, and illustrations full of life and movement, this picture book about three sisters finding a stranded whale celebrates the...
The Tale of Rodney Ram
Sarah Brennan
Paper Book
Rodney Ram is gorgeous, from his ear-tips to his toes. But there's just one problem - he doesn't want to lead his flock! Then famine grips Guangdong Province, and the sheep are in mortal danger. Will Rodney rise to the challenge, and save their woolly hides? Find out in this shaggy tale of shyness,...
Our home, our heartbeat
Briggs, Adam
Paper Book
Adapted from Briggs' celebrated song 'The Children Came Back', Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its heart honours the oldest continuous culture on earth.Readers will recognise Briggs' distinctive voice and...
Deadly animals
Brook, Henry
Paper Book
Ideal for tempting reluctant readers away from the internet, this thrilling book about deadly animals offers short chunks of simple text, stunning photographs and detailed diagrams. With carefully selected internet links to websites.
Stories for kids who dare to be different : true tales of boys and girls who stood up and stood out
Brooks, Ben
Paper Book
"In our evermore hectic and overwhelming world, Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different is refreshing proof that dreams do come true and that it is ok to be different. An inspiring read for any young person, particularly those struggling to find their place in...
A lamp for the Lambchops
Brown, Jeff.
Paper Book
Don't miss this magical Flat Stanley chapter book adventure! Stanley Lambchop has found a real magic lamp with a genie inside! The genie tells Stanley he can wish for anything in the world: fame, a magical pet, superpowers--you name it. When Stanley's family finds out about the...
Lone pine
Brown, Susie.
Paper Book
From a battlefield at Gallipoli, a soldier sends a pine cone home to his mother. Little does he know that his simple gift will become a national symbol of history and remembrance. Susie Brown and Margaret Warner's sensitive text is evocatively...
Little Frida
Browne, Anthony
Paper Book
One great artist inspires another, as former Children's Laureate and twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal Anthony Browne creates a beautiful story about Frida Kahlo. The artwork of Frida Kahlo inspires former Children's Laureate and twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal Anthony Browne in this...
Fiona Wood : inventor of spray-on skin
Burne, Cristy
Paper Book
A plastic surgeon, Fiona revolutionised treatment for burns victims, improving hundreds of lives with her spray-on skin invention. She came to world-wide fame treating the Bali bombing burns victims. Her story shows us the value of dreams, hard work, and the courage to do what's...
Kids' world cup
Cahill, Tim
Paper Book
The World Cup is on and Tiny Timmy is super excited! Even better, all the best teams are coming to play in the school gala day. Now the Lions will have a chance to win a trophy of their own!Timmy and his friends will need to prepare like the professionals-but will that be enough to win? Can Tim's...
All dressed up
Campbell, Margaret.
Paper Book
Gilly is a river-fishing, tree-climbing, jeans-wearing tomboy. So when she's asked to be a flower girl at her cousin's wedding, Gilly is horrified. Hoity-toity Aunt Janice wants everything just perfect and Gilly is forced to wear a silly pink dress and flowers in her hair. But will everything run...
Littlelight
Canby, Kelly
Paper Book
When bricks start to go missing from the town's four walls, the mayor whips his citizens into a frenzy of aggravation. But when the town's people find the thief and her motive, they discover perhaps it is the mayor who is the problem.
A fox called Sorrow : the legend of Little Fur
Carmody, Isobelle
Paper Book
A half-starved fox was limping towards the outskirts of the sprawling grey city over which the storm spread its black and ragged wings. It stopped to sniff at the wind and read the warnings and signals. But its anguish was so great that if the world were to end it would not have minded. It limped...
Rif and the riddle
Cason, Susan.
Paper Book
Rif is in deep trouble with his fellow villagers. On his quest to make things right, he must face a mountain troll, a pair of tricksters, a terrifying dog - and a very tough riddle.
Real magic
Magic, Ash
Paper Book
Australian magician and TikTok star Ash Hodgkinson, known as Ash Magic, is here to turn your frown upside down with his unique blend of magic, positivity and lifestyle content. Find out how he overcame challenges, including anxiety and ADHD, to become a world-class stage performer and online...
Monster hunting for beginners
Mark, Ian
Paper Book
"A MAGNIFICENTLY HILARIOUS MASTERPIECE OF MONSTER PROPORTIONS. I HOWLED WITH LAUGHTER!", JENNY PEARSON, THE SUPER MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF FREDDIE YATES A monstrously funny new adventure series. Readers of 8+ and fans of Mega Monster and Shrek will adore the first in the...
Stories from the Billabong
Marshall, James Vance
Paper Book
From the author of Walkabout come ten of Australia's ancient aboriginal legends, authentically and elegantly retold.
100 Things to Know About Music
Martin, Jerome.
Paper Book
A colourful information book filled with 100 fascinating and surprising facts. Which tunes could save a life, and which should come with a health warning? How do talking drums tell the history of Africa? What happens in your brain when you listen to music? Find the answers to these...
Birdie in the sky
Mason, Prue.
Paper Book
Birdie and her dad love being up in the sky in their Tiger Moth, Peggybelle. That is, until a terrible accident makes it a matter of life and death, and Birdie finds herself flying the plane alone!

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