Papa and the Olden Days
Papa and the Olden Days written by Ian Edwards and illustrated by Rachel Tonkin was a Children’s Book Council of Australia 1990 Honour Book in the Younger Readers category. This book has been inspired by the illustrator’s family history as she has recorded and preserved her father’s stories about growing up in Thoona, a north-eastern […]
We Are Australians
We Are Australians written by Duncan Smith and Nicole Godwin with paintings by Jandamarra Cadd and published by Wild Dog Books is an absolutely stunning picture book. The utterly moving, poetic and emotive text coupled with sublime illustrations provoked a visceral reaction for me. I had goosebumps while reading this breathtaking book. This is a […]
Joy’s Journey
Title: Joy’s Journey Author: Jacinta Farragher Illustrator: Manka Kasha Publisher: Little Steps Publishing Themes: Self-love, self- belief, self-discovery, happiness, finding joy in the journey, gratitude, adventure, seasons, animals, habitats and mindfulness. Publication date: March 3, 2022 Additional notable information: Engaging educational activities for Joy’s Journey can be found on the Just Write for Kids blog. […]
What Snail Knows
Title: What Snail Knows Author: Kathryn Apel Illustrations by: Mandy Foot Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: 1 February 2022 Themes: Belonging, acceptance, community, friendship, loneliness, introduced species, action and poverty. Additional notable information: Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here. What Snail Knows by Kathryn Apel with charming […]
Books for Anzac Day – Part 2
Books for Anzac Day (first blog post containing seventeen books can be found on the Reading Opens Doors blog here). One way for children to learn about Anzac day, in a way that is accessible for them is through books that sensitively tell stories about the men and women who served – stories about their […]
The Sweetest Egg of All
The Sweetest Egg of All by Helen Milroy, a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and published by Magabala Books is the third book in the Tales from the Bush Mob series. The Bush Mob is a group of birds and animals who live in outback Australia. They enjoy […]
Now and Then
Now and Then written and illustrated by Fiona Levings is a non-fiction picture book which explores the stories and similarities that connect the lives of seven year old Doug in 1940 with eight year old Jem in 2019. Doug lived in the same house located in the seaside town of Margate, Tasmania in 1940 that […]
Piano Fingers
Piano Fingers by Caroline Magerl is an exquisite and imaginative story that is an inspirational delight to read. Caroline’s stunning poetic text coupled with enormously expressive and lively illustrations, full of whimsical details tell a relatable story with all of the drama and theatre of being on the precipice of acquiring a deeply desired new […]
Charlie’s Swim
Charlie’s Swim written by proud Bardi woman Edith Wright and illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, descendant of the Bundjalung people from the Clarence River and published by Magabala Books is a true story that honours the author’s selfless and courageous uncle, Charles D’Antoine, who showed enormous bravery during World War II. Charlie displayed such courage and […]
Eyes that Speak to the Stars
Eyes that Speak to the Stars written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho is a stunning companion book to Eyes that Kiss in the Corners. This is a powerful picture book and moving lyrical story about acknowledging and appreciating differences and family history as well as embracing what makes you unique. It is […]