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. […]

Books for Anzac Day – Part 2

Books for Anzac Day (first blog post containing seventeen books can be found on the Reading Opens Doors blog here). One way for children to learn about Anzac day, in a way that is accessible for them is through books that sensitively tell stories about the men and women who served – stories about their […]

The Sweetest Egg of All

The Sweetest Egg of All by Helen Milroy, a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and published by Magabala Books is the third book in the Tales from the Bush Mob series. The Bush Mob is a group of birds and animals who live in outback Australia. They enjoy […]

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 […]

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 […]