Here are some of our favourite stories about the small delights and joys of regular family life – from breakfast and bathtime, to puddle hunting and visits to Grandma’s house.

The Longest Breakfast by Jenny Bornholdt & Sarah Wilkins

A funny and warm celebration of family chaos. Malcolm is awakened by a baby and sets about finding something for breakfast. A string of new arrivals – including neighbourhood children – interrupt his efforts with their own thoughts on what’s good for breakfast and poor Malcolm becomes rather flustered until the baby saves the day.

For ages 3+

Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke & Angela Brooksbank

There’s plenty of visual humour to be found in this boldly illustrated book about a trip to the markets. As Mama walks past the stalls, occasionally stopping to make a purchase, vendors keep passing Baby special gifts. As the bag gets heavy, Mama starts to worry about how hungry Baby must be getting…

For ages 2+

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

This glorious, bright picture book is a beautiful ode to rainbow families. Australian Sophie Beer depicts an array of different families participating in loving acts, such as finding a lost teddy and other familiar activities.

For ages 1+

Remembering Lionsville by Bronwyn Bancroft

Bronwyn Bancroft remembers happy childhood moments in this vibrant book. Interweaving the history of a large family with visits to her grandfather’s home, she shares memories of sleeping under the stars, swimming in creeks and listening to stories. This is a book with plenty of heart and soul.

For ages 4+

Rudie Nudie by Emma Quay

We’re very happy that his utterly charming rollicking romp is now available in a board book format. Emma Quay’s adorable illustrations and expressive language vividly bring to life that fleeting moment between bathtime and bedtime.

For ages 1+

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson

In this stylish and award-winning book, a boy and his grandmother take a bus ride through a bustling city. The boy asks his grandmother’s questions that illustrate their lack of material wealth, and her reassuring responses emphasise how they are wealthy in other ways.

For ages 3+

The Family Hour in Australia by Tai Snaith

Tai Snaith introduces children to 15 Australian animals and their families in this off-beat, richly hued work. She follows each family on a regular day, revealing fascinating, often weird and always true facts that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Many of the animals featured here are endangered which adds a new layer to the book for discussion.

For ages 3+

Grandma’s House by Alice Melvin

After school, Sally always goes to grandmother’s house where everything is different, but the same. Today though, she can’t find grandma and so must go exploring. Intricately illustrated and detailed with flaps and cut-outs, Grandma’s House is an affectionate examination of a much-loved family home.

For ages 3+

Puddle Hunters by Kirsty Murray & Karen Blair

Siblings Ruby and Banjo are delighted when the rain stops because it’s time to go puddle hunting. Together with their mum, they explore their surrounds to find the ‘perfect puddle’. Packed with lots of splashy, squelchy fun, this simple story is made fresh by Murray’s lyrical language and Blair’s soft watercolours.

For ages 1+

The Perfect Thing by Sally Morgan & Ambelin Kwaymullina

From mother-and-daughter duo Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina, The Perfect Thing is a fun tale about the bond between grandparent and grandchild. Lily doesn’t want to go the park with her grandfather and so keeps making excuses. Unfortunately for her, her grandfather keeps coming up with weird and wonderful solutions to solve her problems.

For ages 2+