Kids books that were perfect for 2020
It’s been an unpredictable and challenging year, but somehow, children’s book were there for us all the way. Here’s a list of kids books that were perfect for the events of 2020.
Change Starts with Us by Sophie Beer
This uplifting and colourful board book by award-winning Australian author-illustrator Sophie Beer is full of suggestions of simple, achievable things that young ones can do to save the planet. From turning off the lights to eating less meat, this is an optimistic book for pint-sized activists who want to create a brighter future.
For ages 3 and up.
I’m a Hero Too by Jamila Rizvi & Peter Cheong
Arty likes going to kinder, visiting his granny and playing with his friends at the playground, but since the virus came Arty can’t do these things anymore. Arty’s mum is a hero – she’s a scientist that is helping make medicines to fight the virus. But playful Arty figures out that he can be a hero too, by washing his hands, not touching things, being quiet when his dad is on a work call, and in many other ways. This reassuring picture book inspires kids to feel like a hero inside their own house.
For ages 3 and up.
Windows by Patrick Guest & Jonathan Bentley
Windows shows kids in different parts of the world connecting with their communities from behind the safety of their own windows. Whether it’s seeing shapes in clouds, waving at the postman, seeing rainbows and teddy bears in other people’s windows, enjoying their Pop’s silly antics, or hearing someone playing music on their balcony – this heartwarming, gentle picture book speaks directly to the strange and difficult year we’ve all been having, and reminds us that we will be together again soon.
For ages 3 and up.
When We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Two black parents talk to their baby about the strength, beauty, history and resilience of black people, underscoring the need for the Black Lives Matter movement and protests. This thoughtful picture book, written in stirring verse and illustrated in kaleidoscopic colour by award-winning poet and author Maxine Beneba Clarke, celebrates and uplifts the African diaspora across the world, while acknowledging sobering realities. When We Say Black Lives Matteris a great conversation starter for all kids, to help explore equal rights and standing up for what’s right.
For ages 3 and up.
Vote for Me by Krys Saclier & Cathy Wilcox
The students of Mount Mayhem School are fed up. Their uniform is hideous and the tuckshop is full of health food, while the sports cupboard remains empty. It’s time for an election to find a student representative. Nominees Jack, Kira, Farrel, and Alexandria stand up and make their election promises and bids for leadership. Vote for Me is a cute and fun picture book that shows how democracy, elections and preferential voting works in Australia – a reasonably functional system that we can all feel grateful for!
For ages 7 and up.
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow enters a new and interesting part of her education with the help of a fresh group of teachers – she must start learning the Wretched Arts and learn to control her Wundersmith powers. But when a contagious illness starts to infect Nevermoor, turning magical Wunimals into mindless and vicious beasts, the city is gripped with fear. Reading about a magical pandemic is strangely comforting and relatable – and young readers will be cheering on dauntless Morrigan as she risks everything to find a cure.
For ages 10 and up.
The Heart of the Bubble by Trace Balla
Inspired by her experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, Trace Balla self-published this sweet graphic novel that follows one family as they readjust to being at home together all the time. The creative, wholesome ways they find to express themselves, such as cooking and gardening, help them to force connections with their local community and will continue to inspire families long after this pandemic is behind us.
For ages 5 and up.
Hope Jones Saves the World by Josh Lacey
Ten-year-old Hope Jones’ New Year’s resolution is to give up plastic, and she’s inspiring others to do the same with her website hopejonessavestheworld.com. When she realises her local supermarket seems to stock more unnecessary plastic than food, she makes it her mission to do something about it. This inspiring story showcases the enthusiasm and energy that kids contribute when they have strong beliefs. Not everyone agrees with Hope and her mission, but she persists in encouraging those around her to take small steps towards a better planet.
For ages 8 and up.
Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayor & Blak Douglas
This richly-illustrated, bestselling picture book is the young reader’s edition of Thomas Mayor’s bestselling book Finding the Heart of the Nation: The Journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth. It uses clear language to introduce the idea that listening to First Nations voices is the way to find the heart of Australia, and showcases the importance of stories, songs, dances, language and caring for the environment. Younger children will warm to the ideas in this book, and there are many details that older children can delve into and be curious about, such as the Constitution, the full text and artwork of the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, and important historical events.
For ages 5 and up.
The Bushfire Book by Chris Nixon & Polly Marsden
Australia is a big country with all sorts of weather. And sometimes extreme weather that causes bushfires. This practical and reassuring guide equips kids with the facts and information to help them feel more prepared for, and less scared of, bushfires. Understand what causes bushfires and meet all the clever people (meteorologists, firefighters, rangers) who are keeping an eye on them. The Bushfire Book includes helpful hints on how to build your own bushfire plan, with websites and resources you can research for more details.
For ages 5 and up.
