Read Aloud Books for Children in Upper Primary School
The following books are ones I have read aloud to my children and some of our favourites from the past two years. This collection is by no means exhaustive. As always, please read the books yourself to assess suitability for the children you intend to share the book with. The personal experiences and histories of […]
Books about Refugees – Collection 2
To see collection 1 containing books and digital stories about refugees click here. Hearing stories about refugees allows children to learn about the reasons why people make the agonising choice to flee their countries and put themselves in life threatening situations in a desperate attempt to seek safety. These stories are gateways to important conversations, […]
Old Fellow
Old Fellow by Christopher Cheng and illustrated by Liz Anelli is a glorious, heart-warming tale that reflects on and celebrates companionship, the power of community, connection and the positive and affirming role parks play in a local area. This tender story deftly explores the unconditional bond a man and dog share. Together they traverse their […]
We Run Tomorrow
We Run Tomorrow by Nat Amoore with art by Mike Barry and published by Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Australia is brimming with adventure and suspense as well as a (mostly) likeable cast of diverse characters. These are the types of characters you can’t help but cheer on; celebrate their wins with […]
Ceremony: Welcome to Our Country
Ceremony: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing and illustrated by David Hardy is a story about the connection to Country and jubilation that a highly anticipated ceremony brings – one rich in traditions, culture and family. This is the second book in the Welcome to Our Country series, the first being […]
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name
The Boy Who Tried To Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran, illustrated by Michelle Pereira and published by Bright Light an imprint of Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, is a 2022 CBCA Notable and is also shortlisted for the 2022 CBCA Award for New Illustrator. This is an uplifting and beautiful story, told from the perspective […]
It’s Up to Us: A Children’s Terra Carta for Nature, People and Planet
It’s Up to Us: A Children’s Terra Carta for Nature, People and Planet by Christopher Lloyd, foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales with illustrations by 33 illustrators from around the world. This is a powerful, thought-provoking non-fiction book featuring a story of hope and activism and is “based on the Terra Carta – a […]
A Feather on a Wing
Title: A Feather on a Wing Author and Illustrator: Maria Speyer Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: 31 May 2022 Themes: Belonging, comfort, adventure, lullabies, bedtime stories Additional notable information: Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here. A Feather on a Wing choral arrangement can be found here. You can listen to A […]
Miss Understood
Miss Understood by Kathryn Apel and illustrated by Beau Wylie is a fractured fairy tale and is a brilliant book to use when exploring perspective to consider a traditional fairy tale (in this case ‘The Three Little Pigs’) from a different point of view. Miss Understood is told from the wolf’s perspective and is a […]
Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal burning knowledge with Uncle Kuu
Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal burning knowledge with Uncle Kuu by Victor Steffensen and illustrated by Sandra Steffensen is a picture book that educates young readers about the use of First Nations fire practices to manage the land. In this story, Uncle Kuu spends time with children in the bush to observe what is […]