Top 17 Picture Books of 2024
The following books are my favourite picture books of 2024. I shared all of these memorable titles with various classes in library lessons. Each book captivated the children and led to fascinating conversations. Please click on the titles below that are hyperlinked to see my review which I shared on the Reading Opens Doors blog […]
Some Favourite Read Aloud Picture Books for Early Primary Years
Grandma’s First Tattoo
Grandma’s First Tattoo by award winning duo Phillip Gwynne and illustrated by Tony Flowers is a rollicking tale that will delight both young and old readers. This story is full of heart, humour and is a beautiful celebration of diversity and the power of story told in the form of a tattoo. This book begins […]
Walk With Us: Welcome to Our Country
Title: Walk With Us: Welcome to Our Country Authors: Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing Illustrator: David Hardy Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: October 31, 2023 RRP: $24.99 (AUD) Teaching resource: A comprehensive teaching resource is available to download from Allen and Unwin. Walk With Us is the fourth book in the Welcome to Our Country series by Adam […]
The Fix-it Princess
Title: The Fix-it Princess Author: Janeen Brian Illustrator: Cherie Dignam Publisher: Walker Books Publication date: March 7, 2023 Additional notable information: Teachers’ notes can be downloaded from Walker Books here. This review is part of a Books on Tour campaign From the Castle-by-the-Woods the indomitable, inventive, resourceful Princess Shona, together with a singing, empathetic dragon embark on a […]
Star of Anise
Star of Anise written by Jane Jolly, illustrated by Di Wu and published by National Library of Australia Publishing is a 2022 CBCA Notable book in the Picture Book of the Year category and brings to life a slice of Australian history from the 1850s that is lesser known. This gentle story is set in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]