Excellent Australian picture books to gift
We think you will all agree that books are the best kind of gift to give and receive! And there is nothing more special than gifting a picture book to a child in your life. There have been so many incredible picture books published this year in Australia, you'll have trouble only choosing one!
Penguin Oh Penguin by Gladys Milroy & Helen Milroy (illus.)
‘The Penguin song has lasted throughout the generations and has been sung to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.’ — Gladys Milroy
Written over 60 years ago by Gladys Milroy for her children, Penguin Oh Penguin is a beautifully illustrated and charming story about a penguin who runs away to the ocean. With lilted rhyming, this book is a joy to read aloud. You can also scan the QR in the front of the book to hear watch Gladys read Penguin Oh Penguin. It is a gorgeous story of family, friendship and hope. for ages 0+.
The Tiny Tailors by Kat MacLeod
The Spring Parade is just around the corner and the Tiny Tailors are busy preparing outfits. With flowers, feathers and leaves, the Tiny Tailors create stylish suits and beautiful gowns. But something is missing, will the Tiny Tailors figure out what is needed in time for the parade? A beautiful story to encourage children to use their imagination and explore nature. For ages 2+.
Gymnastica Fantastica! by Briony Stewart
Watch as the star performer learns to bend, twist, twirl, roll and flip, accompanied by continuous calls of, ‘Come and see … look at me’. Which anyone who spends time with a young person will recognise oh so well! The rhyming text and boisterous, colourful imagery help to express the enthusiasm and liveliness of any child as new abilities emerge. This is a joy to read. It will remind adults of when they were young and excitable, and shows kids that it can be fun to try new skills, and that it is okay if it doesn’t work out the first time round. Perfect for ages 3+.
If I was a Horse by Sophie Blackall
‘If I was a horse, I would gallop all day’. This story imagines if a child in a human family actually was a horse, and all the wonderful things this would mean. Freedom, wearing no clothes, and the joys of rolling in the mud. In simple, imaginative text, with stunning illustrations and a beautiful sparkly jacket, this is truly a book that will be treasured by any child who loves horses. With great possibilities for interactive storytelling, this book is absolutely gorgeous and brilliant fun for ages 2+.
Sunday Skating by Andrea Rowe & Hannah Sommerville (illus.)
It’s a beautiful Sunday and all the children have hit the streets to skate the day away. Except for Clancy, whose board stays tucked under his arm. He’s embarrassed that he’s just a beginner. But his friends won’t let him give up! This is a beautiful story of overcoming your fears and the power of friendship. For ages 3+.
Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illus.)
For First Nations People, the seasons don't change when the calendar does. Instead, we can look for changes in plants, animals, water, weather and the stars to mark the start of a new season. Aunty Munya explains how there are six seasons on her Country. Mankal is the rainy season, bringing strong winds from the ocean, while Barrgan is the season when bush fruits are most plentiful. For ages 5+.
Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? by Jane Godwin & Terry Denton (illus.)
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
So ... can a fish climb a tree? Can a horse drive a car? Can a baby bake a cake? And if they can't, what wonderful things can they do? Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? is a quirky and inspiring book about celebrating who YOU are and the power and peace to be found in not trying to be anyone else. for ages 4+.
My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) by Melissa Greenwood
From Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, this gentle yet powerful bedtime story takes the readers on a wonderous journey as mother and child travel into the Dreamtime. It is a day of exploration and discovery under a warm and inviting sun that showcases the strength of familial bonds and the power of storytelling. A lovely and lyrical story that is sure to soothe your little. For ages 2+.
The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham
At the end of winter the children come out to play. Last out is Amanda with a big box of chalk. She draws a big circle with squiggles; soon the other children join her and together they create a concrete work of art.
Set amidst a big block of flats, much-loved author-illustrator Bob Graham’s The Concrete Garden is a sweet story about finding joy and the power of community in the post-pandemic world. For ages 2+.
Mr Chicken Goes to Mars by Leigh Hobbs
Mr Chicken is very curious. He loves meeting new people and travelling to new places. He's been to Paris, London, Rome and all over Australia, but one day, he realises that he has never been to outer space.
Mr Chicken is on his way to Mars and you, the adventurous reader, are invited to join him!
Desert Jungle by Jeannie Baker
Chico’s grandpa has taken him on holiday where he grew up as a child, out in the desert. Chico has no interest in exploring the land – the desert jungle frightens him, and he’d much rather play on his his tablet. Grandpa decides that it is time to show Chico the secrets and the wonders that the desert has to offer so that he will not fear it but, instead, welcome it, embrace it and help protect it.
Grandpa shows Chico paths through the cactus and the scrub, teaches Chico the plants’ names – ocotillo, cholla, cirios, pin cushion, fishhook – and, soon, Chico begins to understand the wonders of the wild. He learns the value of watching, waiting and listening for all the life that hums within his desert home.