It’s been a stellar year for First Nations publishing in Australia. Here are some of our favourite 2023 picture books by First Nations authors and illustrators that would make wonderful gifts or summer reading in your home.

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Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illus.)

Have you ever been excited for the first day of summer, only to be disappointed when it arrives cold and rainy? 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.

With stunning illustrations by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, Ask Aunty: Seasons encourages all readers to develop a deeper connection with the land, waters and sky.

Walk With Us: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy (illus.)

Harvey and Mum are heading to their favourite park for a walk on Cammeraygal land.

'Time to awaken the ancestors,' says Uncle Boris.' Every time we sing or acknowledge Country, the ancestors are listening.'

What do you know about the Country where you live? Inspired by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Walk With Us is an invitation to go on a journey of learning and appreciation – with family, with friends, and with our nation – together.

Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean by Melissa Greenwood

Gaagal (ocean) is our special place,
we love to swim in the waves.
We'll catch some yamaarr (fish),
eat, dance and play games.

An ode to happy days spent by the ocean, from Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, the creator of the heart-stirring picture books Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth and My Little Barlaagany.

Backyard Footy by Carl Merrison & Samantha Campbell (illus.)

Jy is playing football alone in his small, dry backyard in the Kimberley. But when he accidentally kicks the ball over the fence, a footy adventure begins! Footy by yourself is fun but playing with mates is better.

In this sweet and sporty story, each character is based on a real-life First Nations AFL player who grew up in the region.

Gurril – Storm Bird by Trevor Fourmile & Jingalu (illus.)

Gurril could not understand why everyone was afraid of a snake, even if it was Gudju-gudju, the rainbow serpent! But he was soon to discover just how powerful Gudju-gudju really was and why it is not a good idea to torment the rainbow serpent.

Gurril – Storm Bird is a Gimuy Walubara (pronounced ghee-moy-wah-la-burra) Yidinji traditional story that helps to explain the cultural beliefs held by the Yidinji First Nations People of Cairns. The Gimuy Walubarra are the traditional custodians of Cairns and the surrounding regions. This story has been told orally by many generations over thousands of years and is intrinsic to the Yidinji culture, both past and present. The call of the storm bird helps the Yidinji people prepare for the arrival of rain or the wet season. During the dry season the Gimuy Walubara people would dance and mimic the storm bird to bring in the rain.

Bidhi Galing by Anita Heiss & Samantha Campbell (illus.)

Wagadhaany grew up near the Marrambidya Bila. She loved dancing in the rain and listening to her father, Yarri, tell her stories about life on Wiradyuri ngurambang. When white people started building on the floodplains, Yarri was worried. He knew the power of the bila and tried to warn the strangers, but they would not listen. Years later, the big rains came.

This is the story of the Great Flood of Gundagai in 1852 and the Wiradyuri heroes, Yarri and Jacky Jacky, who paddled bark canoes through raging floodwaters, risking their lives to save countless others.

Mooie’s Stories by 'BurWhela' Ros Kneebone-Dodson

Dja Dja Wurrung Ancestors' stories as told to me by my mother, my grandmother, my great-grandmother and my great-great-grandmother before her.

How did Wabbee, the freshwater crayfish, get its bright red spots? Why does Wehla, the ringtail possum, have a curly tail? How were Waripi Yaluk, the backwaters of Bulatjal Yaluk Woodlar, the Loddon River, formed? Why does Yern, the moon, light up the night sky? Bunjil, the all-powerful, knows the answers.

'BurWhela' Ros Kneebone-Dodson learned these kiki – these stories of Malamiyayu Gurang, the Dreamtime – from her mother, Mooie. BurWhela's words and images bring to vivid life these stories of her Ngurar Gurrk, her Ancestors, from Djandak, the Country of the Loddon River of Central Victoria.

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

Utterly charming! Penguin Oh Penguin is a gentle early childhood story about a penguin that runs away to be at sea. Rhyme is one of the building blocks of language learning, and this prosaic title highlights friendship, hope and home. The lilting rhythm of the verse comes through and is an absolute delight to read aloud. Perfect for toddlers and little wrigglers, this book will also appeal to older children who will love reading it themselves, or who may want to sing along.

Crow Baby by Helen Milroy

Crow Baby was born with two spirits – one crow, and one human. Spending her time living across two worlds, she is content within her crow clan and her human family. But one day, a time of crisis arrives, and Crow Baby must make a difficult decision in order to save both her families. With the help of her two spirits, she embarks on a journey that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of making difficult decisions.

Crow Baby is a story that will capture the imagination of both young and older readers, inspiring them to embrace their own unique gifts. Featuring stunning illustrations and easy-to-read text, this picture book will take you on a whimsical adventure into the heart of First Nations storytelling.

The Bunyip and the Stars by Adam Duncan & Paul Lalo (illus.)

On a starless night Little Brother leaves the safety of the campfire and is captured by the fearsome bunyip. Big Sister will need everything she has learnt about the bush and her Country to rescue Little Brother and escape the bunyip.

Part Sky Country creation story, part exciting adventure tale, The Bunyip and the Stars is the first in a series of five picture books featuring stories from Australia inspired by the National Museum of Australia's new immersive play space for children - the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.

Old Nana Quokka by Jacki Ferro & Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt (illus.)

On the spiritual place of Wadjemup, Rottnest Island, tourists are injuring the animals and making them sick. It’s time to make a stand.

In this Aboriginal Dreaming story, farting quokkas, dive-bombing seabirds and protesting snakes teach us how to look after our sacred land and its animals.