Date : January 27, 2021
Favourite books from childhood are treasures, aren’t they? And there’s a special kind of magic in sharing these favourites with your child – and then watching them fall in love with the stories, too. These books that you read at such a young age are so important, and form such an important foundation for the type of reader you become as you grow. You definitely want to share that magic and relive it with your kids! We’ve curated a list of 5 fantastic Australian books from the last 30 to 40 years that your child is sure to love – just as much as you did!
Five Favourite Childhood Books
Grug by Ted Prior
Grug has become almost a cult figure nowadays. The old tree has sprung up with a few brand-new titles that are sure to delight, but there’s nothing like the classic original. “When dancing instructions are too difficult to understand, Grug invents his own dance and calls it ‘The Grug’.” Who wouldn’t fall in love with a quirky character like that?
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Mem Fox is such a powerhouse in Australian children’s fiction, but Possum Magic is where it all started. The classic tale of a possum and her magical grandmother, who turns her invisible but doesn’t quite get turning her back to being visible right, is beloved by generations of Australians for a good reason. Share this magical tale about love, family, and Australian food with your little one, and you’ll fall for it all over again, too.
Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker
Any Jeannie Baker book could easily slide right on to this list, but Where the Forest Meets the Sea has always been my favourite. It’s a masterpiece of mixed media illustration and highlights the incredible landscape we’re lucky enough to call home. This book uses images from history interwoven with the present, and teaches kids to care about their environment. It’s timeless!
Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughn
This book has a funny and often gross premise that every kid is sure to love – and any parent is sure to remember the ooey, gooey, yummy chewy rhyme that goes with it! The rhyming words are perfect for little book lovers just learning to read, and you get to share in one of your favourite books from childhood.
Magic Beach by Alison Lester
Another stalwart of Australian children’s literature, Alison Lester’s classic Magic Beach allows your children to imagine that anything could and will happen at what is a quintessential Australian experience – going to the beach. The illustrations are fun and busy, and it makes for a captivating tale that you can share with your children.
For more amazing ideas on Australian children’s literature and books you can share with your children, discover May Gibbs‘ treasure trove of knowledge!
Librarian Bec
Right now, Librarian Bec’s hard at work at your local library, sharing a passion for reading with little people and big. Bec writes about inspiring little readers and embracing lovely literature.
