The Tale of the Whale – New Release Picture Book from University of Queensland Press (UQP)

Title: The Tale of the Whale Author: Karen Swann Illustrator: Padmacandra Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: May 4, 2021 Themes: climate, plastic pollution, sea life, friendship, making a difference and lyrical verse Additional notable information: Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded from the UQP website. The Tale of the Whale is a […]
The Bird in the Herd – New Release Picture Book from University of Queensland Press (UQP)

Title: The Bird in the Herd Author: Kathryn Apel Illustrator: Renée Treml Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: March 2, 2021 Themes: Rhyme, farming, visual literacy Additional notable information: Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded from the UQP website. There is also a fabulous Activity Pack that caters for a diverse range of […]
Girl of the Southern Sea – new release book from University of Queensland Press (UQP)

Title: Girl of the Southern Sea Author: Michelle Kadarusman Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: February 2, 2021 Themes: courage, family, friendship, loss, poverty, the power of story, Javanese folktale, hope, education, Indonesia Additional notable information: Teacher notes can be downloaded from the UQP website. Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle […]
The Plastic Throne – New Release Picture Book from MidnightSun Publishing

Title: The Plastic Throne Author: Amani Uduman Illustrator: Kera Bruton Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: March 2021 Themes: ocean ecosystems, marine pollution, sustainability, environmental stewardship The lively bright cover and endpapers for The Plastic Throne by Amani Uduman and Kera Bruton set the tone for a comedic, playful and rollicking adventure that follows. This story […]
Growth Mindset Picture Books

As the school year is about to commence, picture books are a valuable resource to share with children when learning about a growth mindset. These three picture books promote perseverance, fortitude, the idea of exploring opportunities when something does not go to plan, that there is beauty and power in failing and never giving up […]
Books for Animal Lovers

Here you will find a diverse selection of animal books including: fascinating information books, poetry collections, stories with animals as the stars and a selection of titles relating to endangered species. ‘Fauna: Australia’s Most Curious Creatures’ by Tania McCartney is a brilliant nonfiction picture book which is visually driven and is chock full of interesting […]
Little Lion: A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley and illustrated by Bruce Whatley

‘Little Lion: A long Way Home’ by Saroo Brierley and illustrated by Bruce Whatley is a moving and powerful true story of survival. This picture book celebrates determination, overcoming adversity and achieving what seems impossible through the power of love, hope and family. Reasons to read this book (synopsis included at end): It’s a true, […]
We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad

Reasons to read ‘We Are Wolves’ by Katrina Nannestad (synopsis and link to Classroom Resources from the publisher -Harper Collins Publishers – included at end): This is a story based on real events about the Wolf Children or Wolfskinder, German children who were orphaned after fleeing East Prussia when the Red Army invaded towards the […]
Christmas Books

I am always on the lookout for some Australian themed Christmas books to add to our collection and ‘Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle’ by Glenda Millard and illustrated by Stephen Michael King (what a duo they make) is a perfect addition to our stash. This heart warming book is a clever interpretation of the Nativity, […]
October Read Aloud Theme: Non-Fiction and Reference Books

The October read aloud theme is Non-Fiction and reference books. The books chosen are highly informative, visually appealing with inviting design elements and explore facts and information in a way that is accessible to children. This selection of books is suitable for middle primary school children to lower secondary school students. The titles explore subject […]