Stories for Simon – A tale of friendship and reconciliation
Recommended for middle to upper primary students, Years 3-6, ages 7-11. Stories for Simon – A tale of friendship and reconciliation by Lisa Miranda Sarzin and illustrated by Lauren Briggs is a powerful and moving story that explores the importance of learning about Australia’s true history, acknowledging the truths and beginning a shared journey of […]
Books to Explore at the Beginning of the School Year and Revisit Regularly
The following collection of books either promote a growth mindset, celebrate difference and inclusivity, or are a source of inspiration for creating a class inquiry task. These books serve to open up conversations about values, goals, expectations and what the classroom could look, feel and sound like. This list is by no means exhaustive and […]
Advance Australia Fair
EDIT TO ADD (Tony has generously shared some additional information about the steps he undertook for this book as he was acutely aware of the controversial nature of this book): Tony Flowers intention has always been to create a celebratory book about a country, not a tribute to a particular day, or despite the text, […]
Ella and the Ocean
Ella and the Ocean by Lian Tanner and illustrated by Jonathan Bentley is a moving story about the power of the imagination, believing and sharing dreams. This is also a story that sensitively explores the human impact of isolation and living in the harsh outback during drought. The front cover sets the scene as the […]
Somebody’s Land
Somebody’s Land: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing and illustrated by David Hardy is the first picture book in what is to be a series that will include five books. This is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the traditional custodians of the land and the gifts that are […]
Books by First Nations Authors and Illustrators for Primary School Children
Day Break by Amy McQuire, a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman from Rockhampton in Central Queensland and illustrated by Matt Chun is a picture book that challenges the narrative around Australia Day and highlights Indigenous survival, resistance and resilience. This powerful and confronting story shares information about Australia’s true history as a family make […]
Walk of the Whales
Walk of the Whales by esteemed book creator Nick Bland will inspire children to think about pollution in the ocean in a new and unexpected way and from the perspective of the whales. This highly entertaining and creative book tells the story about the whale population who took it upon themselves to suddenly leave their […]
Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief
‘Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief’ by Katrina Nannestad, award-winning author of ‘We Are Wolves’, is one of our family’s favourite read aloud books of 2021. ‘Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief’ has been responsible for many later than usual bed times as we were utterly captivated by this story. This historical fiction book is inspired by real people […]
Sass and Traz Save The Library
Title: Sass and Traz Save The Library Author: Michelle Worthington Illustrator: Naomi Greaves Publisher: Daisy Lane Publishing Publication date: October 2021 Additional notable information: This review is part of a Books on Tour campaign Sass and Traz Save The Library by Michelle Worthington, with illustrations by Naomi Greaves and published by Daisy Lane Publishing is a […]
Devils in Danger
Title: Devils in Danger Author: Samantha Wheeler Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: August 3, 2021 Themes: action, adventure, community, courage, environment, family, friendship, hope, resilience, Tasmanian devils, wildlife conservation. Additional notable information: Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded from the UQP website. Devils in Danger by Samantha Wheeler and published by University […]