There’s something magical about sharing a story with your children; the hush of the evening, the turning of pages, and the way imaginations spark to life together. Whether it is a soothing tale that helps your little one drift off to sleep or an adventure story to enjoy side by side during the day, the right book has the magical ability to create moments that linger long after the last page is read.
To help you find your next favourite story, we have rounded up a dozen wonderful children’s books perfect for both bedtime reading and shared storytime.
- All Aboard!: Discovering Sydney’s Central Station – Jackie French
- Harries: The lifeguard from Bondi Beach – Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll
- Boldilocks – Deborah Frenkel
- The Giant – Sophie Masson
- Trim the Cat – Ursula Dubosarsky
- Scotty and the Scotties – Gabriel Evans
- Two Cranky Bears – Nick Bland
- Best (Worst) Farmer Ever – Pat Cummins
- A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO Future – Cristy Burne, Jackson Harvey, Alex Towler
- Footprint – Phil Cummings
- The Marvellous Now – Angela DiTerlizzi
- I’d Rather be a Dragon – Laura Bunting
All Aboard!: Discovering Sydney’s Central Station – Jackie French
Table of Contents
Reading age: 5 years+
From steam trains to modern metros, from wartime travellers to holiday-makers, All Aboard! Discovering Sydney’s Central Station captures some of the most intriguing milestones and secrets of Central Station’s past. Now, young readers can lift the flaps and uncover them all.
Written by beloved Australian author Jackie French and illustrated by award-winning artist Martina Heiduczek, All Aboard is a playful and educational journey through the history of one of Australia’s most iconic train stations.
Harries: The lifeguard from Bondi Beach – Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll
Reading age: 5 – 9 years
Well-known Bondi Rescue lifeguard Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll wasn’t always as confident as he is now. As a child, he was often bullied for his dyslexia, and sadness and shame quickly followed.
However, what Harries eventually discovered was that his talent lay not in words, but in seeing and hearing things that others might not notice. His heightened alertness to his surroundings means Harries can anticipate when someone might be in danger. Uncovering these qualities in himself led Harries to carve out a successful 30-year career as a lifeguard, rescuing and resuscitating thousands of people.
Boldilocks – Deborah Frenkel
Reading age: 3 – 8 years
Bellamy Boldilocks’ hair is notorious. It swooshes and streams so strikingly that everyone looks at him and whispers, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But when Pa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpected happens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hair is transformed.
This silly, fun picture book is perfect for preschoolers and up. It challenges gender stereotyping that can offer a narrow definition of what’s acceptable for boys or girls, often depriving little boys of bright colours, or rainbows, or sparkles ― all the fun, self-expressive stuff!
Boldilocks is an uplifting story about being confident in your skin (and hair) and will resonate with anyone who has ever felt a little bit embarrassed about how they look. It celebrates the power of community and how it can transform shame into joyful pride.
The Giant – Sophie Masson
Reading age: 4 years and up
On the day the giant wakes from a long sleep, he’s filled with joy at the thought of seeing his friends in the town again. But he’s slept so long that nobody remembers him, everyone hides from him, and his joy turns to a sadness that might engulf the whole town
Until he hears the voices, calling to him…
Trim the Cat – Ursula Dubosarsky
Born on a rocking ship in the middle of the ocean, Trim is no ordinary cat. Fearless, clever and full of heart, Trim sails into stormy seas and on grand adventures with his best friend and fellow explorer Matthew Flinders.
But when disaster strikes, Trim must find courage and hope will he ever see his beloved captain again?
Scotty and the Scotties – Gabriel Evans
Reading age: 2 – 5 years
In Scotty’s family, a scottie is a scottie, no matter what you look like. But when everyone looks the same, acts the same, and does all the same things, can you ever truly be your own scottie, too?
Packed full of surprises and plenty of heart, Scotty and the Scotties isn’t just an irresistible story about loyalty, love and being yourself – it’s also a cheeky search-and-find. Everyone will enjoy poring over the story to find the ‘real’ Scotty on every page, making this an instant modern classic and a sure favourite for all families, no matter how alike or different they are.
Two Cranky Bears – Nick Bland
Two bears, one hill. Everything was fine until they reached the top and that’s when fine turned quickly into … ‘Mine!’ Can these cranky bears learn to share?
Best (Worst) Farmer Ever – Pat Cummins
The cows have broken the fence!
The sheep are acting funny!
There’s a boat that has to be put into a tree!
And someone really must stop the birds from eating all the apples!
There’s no end of work for Farmer Pat, his son, Albie, and their dog, Normie. But that’s not a problem because Farmer Pat always knows exactly what to do! Kind of.
A rollicking father-son adventure that captures a laugh-out-loud day on the farm, while featuring a cheeky cast of animals.
A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO Future – Cristy Burne, Jackson Harvey, Alex Towler
Reading age: 10 – 18 years
THE YEAR IS 2130. Humanity’s reign has ended but the world is recovering – one brick at a time.
LEGO minifigures have risen from the debris to craft intricate civilisations inside discarded objects – each one inspired by the relic they now call home.
Taking LEGO storytelling and artistry to new heights, A New World Rises explores an imagined future, one that might not be as far removed from reality as we think. Step into the future. Discover the past. And inspire your own LEGO worlds.
Footprint – Phil Cummings
Reading age: 5 – 10 years
A unique, lyrical picture book that empowers children to think about the natural environment in a mindful and positive way, from one of Australia’s most prolific writers, with stunningly beautiful illustrations from an exciting up-and-coming illustrator.
You carry hope and future need
With careful footprint, plant the seed.
Breathe… Yes, breathe.
Embark on a lyrical, meditative journey through nature’s tapestry, where every step you take leaves a legacy of wonder and protection for the environment. Explore forests and mountains, cities and fields, and animals in their natural habitats as you ponder the footprint humans have left on the Earth.
The Marvellous Now – Angela DiTerlizzi
Reading age: 4 – 8 years
Missed the bus? Flubbed a test? Got overwhelmed in a crowd? When you’re feeling big feelings or having a bad day, it can be hard to calm your racing mind and stay present. The Marvelous Now gives kids the tools to see that this is the moment where you need to be!
Through accessible, rhythmic verse by Angela DiTerlizzi and colorful, joyful illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gomez, the Now will help young readers learn to regulate their emotions, reset, and reach their happy place.
I’d Rather be a Dragon – Laura Bunting
Being small is the worst! Roller coaster? Too short! Fairy floss? Too messy! Run wild? Stay close! Life would be so much better as a mighty dragon … Wouldn’t it?