If you have family or friends living overseas you’re likely already thinking of what to get them for this Christmas this year so you’ll have time to send them via the slow post. And an Australian picture book is a wonderful gift to send to little friends who have homes in other countries.

I’ve put together some of our children specialists’ favourite recommendations for books that feature Australian animals, landscapes, classic stories, Indigenous culture, and cities.

I was feeling spoilt for choice while browsing and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself needing to send two picture books.

INDIGENOUS STORIES AND CULTURE

For an introduction to Wurundjeri country – the traditional lands on which Melbourne is built – look no further than Welcome to Country.

This beautiful picture book is written by respected Wurundjeri elder, Auntie Joy Murphy, and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy. The story introduces young readers to the concept of a traditional welcome to country ceremony and describes the sacred trees and spirits attached to Wurundjeri country.

Further recommendations:

• The Rainbow Serpent – One of the most well-known Dreamtime stories, illustrated and told by Aboriginal artist Dick Roughsey.
• Colours of Australia and Why I Love Australia – Simple words and vibrant shapes and colours characterise Bronwyn Bancroft’s wonderful picture books.
• Animals in my Garden – A tiny and perfect counting board book, featuring snakes, frogs, cockatoos and more, and illustrated by Broome artist Bronwyn Houston.

CLASSIC STORIES

Was it the purple knickerbockers and striped socks? The outrageous moustache? The extreme downhill pennyfarthy-ing?

I can only guess, but the picture book of A.J. Banjo Paterson’s poem Mulga Bill’s Bicycle was an enormous source of entertainment to me between the ages of 4-6.

The rhymes are rollicking, and I loved seeing Mulga Bill’s pride turn to a spectacular downfall in Dead Man’s Creek.

Further recommendations:

• The Man From Snowy River – Another iconic poem by Banjo Paterson about a brave pony and a bush hero, with beautiful illustrations of horses and landscapes.
• Where the Forest Meets the Sea – Collage meets environmentalism in this dreamy travel through the past and present of the idyllic Daintree rainforest with a boy and his dad.
• The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek – A mythical creature suffering from an identity crisis finds a new friend and a happy ending.

FAVOURITE AUTHORS

No Australian picture book collection is complete without Mem Fox’s wonderful Possum Magic. Fox is one of our most prolific and best-loved picture book authors. My personal favourites include Where is The Green Sheep?, Wombat Divine and Koala Lou. You can find more of her books here.

Another favourite is Bob Graham, whose gentle and charming stories of everyday Australian life and Australian kids have won him countless fans at Readings. A cardboard box sparks discussions about inclusion and sharing in This is Our House, intergenerational friendships form in Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten, and everyone learns to get along in Greetings from Sandy Beach. You can find more of his books here.

FRIENDLY FORMATS

I grew up on a steady diet of Gumnut Babies and Blinky Bill, but unfortunately the full hardcover versions of these classics can be too heavy to post without breaking the bank. The answer comes in abridged versions and lighter formats, which are a good introduction to iconic Australian characters and stories.

Fans of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie can post the lighter and smaller Tales from the Billabong and Meet Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. And if you’d like your overseas friends to read about cheeky Blinky Bill, then A Tiny Story of Blinky Bill is a great option.

URBAN AUSTRALIA

For overseas friends that prefer something modern and different, the following books are city-bound and would make colourful additions to any home library.

• Why I Love Footy – A crash course in the game with the ‘weird-shaped’ ball.
• Melbourne Word by Word – Melbourne landmarks and sights are presented in delightful retro illustrations perfect for toddlers (and aesthetically-inclined parents…).
• When You Go To Melbourne and Alphabet City Melbourne – Maree Coote’s busy and vivid art expresses her passion for her hometown, and provides many little hidden details for little eyes to search for.
• Hello Sydney! – In this book, toddlers can look and find all over the harbour city with six seagull friends in tow.

MORE AUSSIE ANIMALS

And finally, just in case you can’t get enough of Australian animals, here are some more of our favourite picture books featuring fantastic fauna.

• Rod Campbell’s Aussie Animals – The original, and the best. life-the-flap animal book.
• Olga the Brolga – Dance around the wetland with the effervescent Olga the brolga, a large Australian crane with some flashy courtship behaviours.
• Diary of a Wombat – Jackie French and Bruce Whatley hilariously depict a busy day in the life of an average wombat.
• The Family Hour in Australia – A quirky look at 15 animals, full of family life and interesting facts.

Leanne Hall