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 […]
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 […]
Our Country : Ancient Wonders
Our Country : Ancient wonders by Mark Greenwood and illustrated by Frané Lessac is a stunning picture book that inspires readers to immerse themselves in the world of a diverse group of curious explorers who travel around Australia to all states and territories and experience the remarkable ancient wonders. This book is the first in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]