Aussie Big Achiever Series of Books
The Aussie Big Achiever series containing three books written by Richard Simpkin, illustrated by Debra O’Halloran and published by Boolarong Press give readers a highly engaging insight into the lives of three iconic Australians, Ash Barty, Cathy Freeman and Steve Irwin, who all had and achieved big dreams. These books begin with a dedication that […]
Saving the Butterfly
Saving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper and illustrated by Gill Smith sensitively explores, through the eyes of two children, the different responses and emotions refugee children may experience as well as the trauma and barriers they endure when seeking safety in their new homeland. In this picture book a brother and sister are the only […]
Refugees
Refugees by Brian Bilston and illustrated by José Sanabria is a picture book containing Brian Bilston’s powerful poem, titled, ‘Refugees’, which can be read from top to bottom and then read backwards, from the last line to the top of the poem to convey two opposing points of view about refugees. It contains two voices. […]
Picture Books for SeaWeek
2022 SeaWeek from March 5 to March 13 is an opportunity to educate, inform and foster an appreciation for the sea and the theme this year is Our SEArch – what will you discover? Sea Country by Aunty Patsy Cameron, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy and published by Magabala Books transports the reader back to Aunty […]
Tiny Wonders
Title: Tiny Wonders Author and Illustrator: Sally Soweol Han Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: 1 February 2022 Themes: Hope, patience, flowers, beauty, joy, Grandmothers, slowing down, community and action. Additional notable information: Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here. Tiny Wonders by Sally Soweol Han is an uplifting […]
The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice – New Release Book from MidnightSun Publishing
Title: The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice Author: Maggie Jankuloska Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: March 2022 Themes: family – including non-traditional families, belonging, resilience, the plague in France in 1665 and class structure. The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice, a historical novel for upper primary and lower secondary school students by debut author Maggie Jankuloska is a gripping novel that […]
Books, Digital Stories and Videos for The Anniversary of The National Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
On February 13, 2008 the former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations. The following resources are useful for embedding an Aboriginal perspective with children about this apology. Sorry Day by Coral Vass and illustrated by Dub Leffler is an important story […]
Your School is the Best!
Your School is the Best! by Maggie Hutchins and illustrated by Felicita Sala draws the reader from the very beginning of this story (including the endpapers) into the vibrancy, colour, diversity, rich experiences, fun, friendship and adventure that children enjoy in a primary school setting. This story is told from the point of view of […]
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 […]