2024 picture book highlights
Is there anything more special than sharing a beautiful picture book with the children in your life? We don't think so. This year has delivered many beautiful new books, it was hard to stick to just fifteen titles for this list, but here they are! Our picture book highlights for 2024.
Books to help start conversations with your child ...
Grey by Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Lauren Child
Beautifully crafted compositions together with simple die-cut design, reveal the story of a child who feels as though all their colours have disappeared.
Despite the joyful orange balloon, the huge yellow sun and the bright green trees, the child still feels grey. That is until a reassuring hand reaches out and shares words of kindness. Soon the child begins to see the warmth of colour again, and understands that their colours will always be there and that they will always be loved, whether they feel grey or sunshine yellow.
A beautiful book full of empathy and understanding that will provide comfort and hope to readers of all ages. For ages 3+.
ABC Disability by Sarah Rose with Alley Pascoe, illustrated by Beck Feiner
ABC Disability is an A to Z of celebrating what makes each of us unique, featuring bold, brightly coloured artwork by award-winning illustrator Beck Feiner – including the Auslan sign for each letter of the alphabet. For ages 3+.
Read our staff review here.
For the animal lovers ...
Dog Beach by Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White
Going to the beach is a big part of Australian culture and, for many people, so are dogs! This book celebrates all of the different types of dogs that Australians love – follow them as they run amuck along the sunny shores of Australia.
With bright and dreamy illustrations by Annie White, this short, rhythmic story will capture the attention of all beach and dog loving children!
Read our staff review here.
Grandma Murphy’s Pussycat by Maura Finn, illustrated by Lucinda Gifford
At midnight's strike as all lay sleeping, comes a figure, crawling, creeping ... It's Grandma Murphy's pussycat! Where is this mysterious black cat going in the deep, dark night? And what adventures might he have along the way?
An enchanting picture book that will bewitch young readers and grown-ups alike. For ages 2+.
Read our staff review here.
For the children having too much fun to go to bed ...
Lights Out, Little Dragon! by Debra Tidball, illustrated by Rae Tan
It's bedtime and Little Dragon is trying every trick to stay awake. Can you help him get to sleep? You might just have the magic touch!
From award-winning Debra Tidball and talented newcomer Rae Tan comes a delightful book about one cheeky little dragon who is determined to beat bedtime. For ages 2+.
Read our staff review here.
Beautiful books about family and community ...
Reading to Baby by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Hannah Somerville
From award-winners Margaret Wild and Hannah Sommerville comes a story to remind us of the wonder and magic of reading.
Dora has doting big brothers who play with her, look after her, and guide her as she grows. But Peter reads to her, which turns out to be the greatest gift of all. For ages 0+.
When the Lights Went Out by Lian Tanner, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley
The night was frosty dark but we were snug and cosy in the kitchen. Then SNAP! The lights went out.
In the dark of night, a neighbourhood becomes a new country to explore, and an ordinary winter evening turns into a family adventure. A reassuring story about finding comfort in community from the award-winning creators of Ella and the Ocean. For ages 4+.
Read our staff review here.
My Dad’s Gone Away by Andrew Krakouer and Jacqueline Dinan, illustrated by Paul Seden
Tarah's dad has gone away, and she doesn't know where. She imagines he is doing all the things he loves, but when she asks her mum, everything changes.
This heartfelt, honest and sensitively told story explores the challenges a child faces when a parent is incarcerated. My Dad's Gone Away sheds light on an unspoken issue and gently encourages children and families to talk about how they feel and what their future may look like. This age-appropriate story will help to encourage safe conversations around a difficult topic and promote empathy in children with different life experiences. For ages 6+.
Beautiful books to learn more about our First Nations ...
Djinang Bonar Seeing Seasons by Ebony Froome, illustrated by Leanne Zilm
Discover the six seasons of the Noongar calendar in English and Noongar with emerging First Nations talent Ebony Froome and Leanne Zilm. This is the perfect picture book for parents, carers, teachers and librarians to share insights into the six Noongar seasons and learn some Noongar language.
Djinang Bonar takes readers through the seasons of the Noongar calendar, exploring different seasonal indicators to increase readers' awareness of the environment around them and their knowledge of Noongar language. Noongar country is portrayed in spectacular detail with gorgeous illustrations of the plants and animals typically seen in each season of the year. For ages 3+.
Giinagay Juluum, Hello Mountains by Melissa Greenwood
The juluum (mountain) watches over us as we walk proudly on Country. Me, Jinda, Miimi and Gami take note of all the subtle changes in nature as we walk up, up the rocky path towards the peaks.
Join the family as they journey through the mountains, observing animals, plants and trees, waterways and high peaks. Their ancestors and the mountain watch over them.
A lyrical and heart-stirring series by Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood. Gumbaynggirr translation included. For ages 3+.
Walking Together by Coral Vass, illustrated by Dub Leffler
‘We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future ...’
An extract from the Uluru Statement from the Heart. From award-winning storytellers Coral Vass and Dub Leffler.
Fun, page-turning adventures ...
Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Celebrate twenty years of The Boy in this highly anticipated new adventure from the internationally bestselling picture book creator, Oliver Jeffers!
Once there was a boy who would often play hide-and-seek with his friends the star and the penguin. The star was always easy to find, but one day it went missing. So, the boy radioed the Martian for help and soon found himself on an exciting spaceship rescue mission to the North Pole! But there, he discovered that he wasn’t the only one who had always dreamed of having a star as a friend …
For ages 3+.
Digger Digs Down by Johanna Bell, illustrated by Huni Melissa Bolliger
From award-winning author Johanna Bell and exciting new illustrator Huni Melissa Bolliger comes a playful story about what's possible when you let your curiosity run wild.
Digger digs down. Digger digs deep, deep into the ground.
Join happy-go-lucky Digger as he ditches the boredom of backyard life for an underground adventure. What will he find? What won't he find? For ages 3+.
We Live in a Bus by Dave Petzold
We live in a bus. She's called Gracie Joy Rufus Bean (we couldn't agree on a name). Gracie Joy Rufus Bean has six wheels and a door that opens when you push a button, tic-shhh!
Join one family as they enjoy life on the road – camping under the stars, listening to nature, and making new friends along the way. For ages 2+.
Read our staff review here.
Ten-Word Tiny Tales by Joseph Coelho and Friends
'Invite me in,' she says, outside my tenth storey window...
Is it possible to spin a tale using just ten words? It most certainly is! In this unique and magnificent compendium designed to spark the imagination, Joseph Coelho brings us stories of underwater worlds, demon hamsters, bears in outer space, and portals to places unknown ... all in just ten words! Each tale has been paired with one of the finest illustrators working today – and, together, the words and pictures will create a space for creativity as young readers imagine how the story might unravel. They might even be inspired to pen a ten word tiny tale of their own! For ages 6+.
Read our staff review here.
