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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Advance Australia Fair
EDIT TO ADD (Tony has generously shared some additional information about the steps he undertook for this book as he was acutely aware of the controversial nature of this book): Tony Flowers intention has always been to create a celebratory book about a country, not a tribute to a particular day, or despite the text, […]
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 […]