Beautiful First Nations children's books to gift
It’s been a brilliant year for First Nations publishing in Australia. Here are twelve of our favourite 2022 titles by First Nations authors and illustrators that would make wonderful gifts.
Come Together by Isaiah Firebrace & Jaelyn Biumaiwai (illus.)
This wonderful picture book introduces children to 20 important concepts of First Nations knowledge in Australia. With vibrant illustrations and stunning design, Firebrace describes the value of caring for Country, explains the importance of Elders and the Dreaming, and much more. A perfect introduction to the longest continuous culture on earth!
Ages 5 and up.
Owl and Star by Helen Milroy
Owl loved the sparkle of the stars in the night sky. He would sit in his tree at dusk and wait for them to appear. But when his favourite star didn’t appear one night, he decided to go on a journey to find her. This is a beautifully illustrated story about the connection between animals and the natural world that toddlers will love.
Ages 2 and up.
Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth by Melissa Greenwood
A lyrical blessing to read to a baby, this glorious picture book promises them they will always be loved and that they have a place on this land among its people and animals. It gently reminds them of their responsibilities and assures them they will never be alone. With stunning artworks by Melissa Greenwood, this is the perfect gift for new babies or young children.
Ages 0 and up.
Open Your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour
Sharing the joy of returning home to Country, this is a poetic and lyrical celebration of flowers, birds and native wildlife. The characters swim, dance and enjoy the world around them. Effortlessly interweaving English with Dharug, this is a magical First Nations picture book that is utterly charming and filled with a joy in celebrating nature.
Ages 3 and up.
The Heartbeat of the Land by Cathy Freeman, Coral Vass & Tannya Harricks (illus.)
As Cathy runs across the land every day, she hears its heart that has been beating for 60,000 years. We hear in Cathy’s own words her story and her incredible passion, for running, for her culture and for the land. This is an inspiring story that all young children will enjoy.
Ages 3 and up.
Winthali (Fire) by Joe Willigan Ross & Stacey Bush, with Remi Nyandat Ross & Boheme Baiana Ross (illus.)
This traditional story from the Danggu people of the Fitzroy Valley is about a greedy old crocodile who does not want to share his fire. Clever Brown Falcon shows the animals how to work together and trick crocodile into sharing his fire. Told in both Bunuba and English, this is a delightful tale, with royalties going to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Ages 3 and up.
Wylah the Koorie Warrior by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Set in ancient times when giant megafauna roamed the land, this is a thrilling adventure story about a brave, kind and strong-willed young woman. Even though she doesn’t feel ready, Wylah must find the courage to save her family and become the warrior who saves her tribe.
Steeped in First Nations culture, this exciting adventure story that was shortlisted for this year's Readings Prize is both fun and full of heart.
Ages 7 and up.
My Deadly Boots by Carl Merrison, Hakea Hustler & Samantha Campbell (illus.)
Can the shoes on your feet really make you jump higher? Celebrating a pair of very special boots, this is a joyous, empowering picture book about finding confidence within yourself and loving life. Gorgeous and vibrant, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ages 3 and up.
Silver Leaves by Gladys Milroy
Owl and Night Parrot have their own tree, away from all the noisy daytime birds. But when the daytime birds’ tree is cut down, they must learn to share and work together for the greater good.
Gladys Milroy’s story has a mythic quality, with emphasis on the importance of stories and a reminder to care for the environment and all who share its bounty.
Ages 6 and up.
Back on Country by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy (illus.)
The latest title in the charming Welcome to Our Country picture book series by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing and David Hardy is all about taking some youngsters back to traditional land for the first time. There they will meet their elders, connect with cousins and hear stories around the camp fire. It’s a joyous celebration of life on Country.
Ages 2 and up.
A Kunwinjku Counting Book by Gabriel Maralngurra & Felicity Wright (illus.)
This stunning counting book features the animals of West Arnhem Land and the traditional art of the Kunwinjku culture. Including crocodiles, echidnas and wallabies, children and adults alike will enjoy learning the Kunwinjku names for numbers and animals, as well as discovering more about these animals’ habitat and behaviour, and what they mean to the Bininj.
This book is both a gorgeous counting book and a magnificently illustrated work of art that we highly recommend.
Ages 5 and up.
Bobtail's Friend by Rhonda Collard-Spratt & Jacki Ferro (illus.)
Balharda the bobtail felt pretty in her necklace of wildflowers. But the Bidi-bidi butterflies laughed at her. Who will be bobtail’s friend? This Dreaming story gently shows how words can hurt or heal, as we follow the journey of Balharda the bobtail. Beautiful illustrations complement this important fable about friendship and kindness.
Ages 3 and up.
