As winter begins to settle in, it is the perfect time to curl up with a gripping novel or share a heart-warming picture book with younger readers.

Our Fiction Book of the Month is Later, Only Love Remains by Leah Swann. In this taut literary thriller that will touch your heart, Jack Wolfe has retreated to the Otways, consumed by grief and remorse after the car crash that killed his wife. Jack’ s world is disrupted by the arrival of Lotus, a lonely young woman in need of refuge. When another stranger appears, none of them realise that they will soon be fighting for their lives. On page 3, the author reflects on crafting a story that balances psychological tension with compassion and hope.

Our Non-fiction Book of the Month, Detention by Ralph Jackman, is a powerful memoir that shines a light on the transformative power of education and the right of every child to learn. After a career as a sports reporter, Jackman took on his first teaching role at Melbourne’ s Parkville Youth Justice Precinct. With honesty and humanity, he shares the highs, lows and unexpected moments of connection that shape his days in this challenging environment. On page 8, Jackman tells us about what his students have taught him in return.

Our Kids’ Book of the Month for June is The House That Walked Away by Simon Howe. This enchanting picture book follows a magical house that decides to set off in search of a family and a place to belong. As the story gently reminds us,‘ home is where the heart is, but we can be a home for the heart of others’. The House That Walked Away is a warm, comforting read to share together. On page 13, the author talks about what home means to them.

Our First Nations feature( page 15) is Brave Like Bunji by Wiradjuri author Jake Gablonski and beautifully illustrated by acclaimed Dagoman artist Samantha Campbell. This uplifting story is set on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples of the Katherine region. For every copy sold of the selected title during June, Collins Booksellers will donate $ 1 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Fiction readers are spoilt for choice this month. Ann Patchett’ s Whistler is a beautiful and deeply moving novel. Set in New York, this is a story of family, memory and the quiet joys of the present. Fans of Matt Haig will enjoy The Midnight Train, a magical, time-travelling love story set in the world of The Midnight Library. See page 7 for a staff review. In Land, Maggie O’ Farrell( the bestselling author of Hamnet) delivers a sweeping, multigenerational epic set in 1865 Ireland.

There’ s also more fantastic non-fiction this June. The Missing Piece by James O’ Loghlin tells the story of Jum Wallner, whose fight for justice over his asbestosrelated disease raises profound questions about responsibility and fairness. In The Cats of Australia, Jodie Stewart explores our funny, fraught and fur-filled relationship with these enigmatic animals. Finally, food lovers will be transported by Eat Like a Sardinian by Francesco Mattana; our recipe feature for June( see page 10).

Younger readers have plenty to discover beyond our Kids’ Book of the Month. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Magic Beach and Noni the Pony’ s 15th birthday, we are offering a special 3 for 2 in-store promotion on a selection of Alison Lester’ s classic titles throughout June( or until stocks last). See page 14 for details.

We are also delighted to feature Kid by Peter Carnavas, the touching story of a small goat embarking on a wild adventure that asks what family and home really mean. Finally, fans of junior fiction can’ t miss Detective Beans & the Map of Mystery by Li Chen. With familiar faces, surprising clues and a race to get home in time to tidy his room, this new adventure from the winner of the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Best Junior Fiction is full of charm and fun.

Remember to collect a reading guide from your local Collins Booksellers store each month and, as always, have a chat with your local bookseller. Every store is independently owned and operated by passionate people who love books and their communities, so you are sure to discover something to love every time you visit.

Happy reading!

Laura from Head Office

© Simon Howe from The House That Walked Away by Simon Howe published by Hardie Grant

Visit your local store or find us online at collinsbooks. com. au

Collins Booksellers do not price books above the publishers’ recommended retail price( RRP). Stock subject to availability. While every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of price and availability, these may be subject to change without notice. Major credit cards accepted. Prices valid until 30 June 2026. The views expressed by interviewees in our Q & As are the personal views of the interviewee only and should not be taken to reflect the views of Collins Booksellers, its franchisees or any of their respective staff.

2 Monthly Reading Guide – June 2026