Picture books are one of my absolute passions. I have been curating our home library since I was an undergraduate studying Literature, selecting beautiful stories to read to my children and hopefully, one day, their children.
This month, I have focused on pulling together a list of glorious picture books about nature, museums, and curious minds. I capped in at a dozen all up, which was super hard as there are so many new books right now. Those I chose have stunning imagery and wonderful stories that you will love reading with the children closest to you.
Happy readng!
The Best New Picture Books
Table of Contents
- Lonely Planet Kids Good Night, Earth
- Mango and Hopscotch
- Animals on Country
- The Incredible 3D Bug Hunt
- All About Antarctica
- The Great Big Book of Museums
- Bin Chicken Trash Treasurey
- The Peach King
- Night Creatures: Firefly
- Comeback Creatures
- Otherlands
- I’m Very Busy
* prices correct at time of publishing
Lonely Planet Kids Good Night, Earth: 5-Minute Stories about Nature After Dark
Written by Rose Davidson | Illustrated by Ester Gouw
A heartwarming collection of 25 beautifully illustrated tales that celebrate the wonders of the natural world at night. From glowing fireflies and moonlit blooms to nocturnal creatures and constellations, each short story invites young readers to discover the magic that unfolds after sunset.
Divided into themed chapters like The Sun Sets, Wide Awake, and A Midnight Sky, this enchanting book combines gentle storytelling with fascinating facts, making it perfect for bedtime reading or curious independent readers. Complete with a world map and stunning artwork, it’s an ideal gift for little explorers who love learning about nature.
RRP $32.99 | $26.95 at Booktopia
Mango and Hopscotch – The Inspiring Story of a Brave Kangaroo and her Joey Rescued from Floodwaters
Written by Sophie Cunningham | Illustrated by Anil Tortop
A heartwarming picture book inspired by true stories of animal rescues across Australia. From the bestselling creators of Tippy & Jellybean, it follows a brave kangaroo and her joey who live peacefully by a tropical river until a sudden storm causes the river to flood.
As the water rises, their courage and resilience shine through in a moving tale of survival, hope, and the bond between mother and child. Beautifully illustrated and deeply touching, this story celebrates the strength of Australia’s wildlife and the compassion of those who come to their rescue.
RRP $19;95 | $12.00 on Amazon
Animals on Country: Let’s look after the animals with Uncle Kuu
Written by Victor Steffensen | Illustrated by Sandra Steffensen
An inspiring picture book that invites readers to learn from Indigenous cultural practices of caring for Country and its creatures. Guided by Uncle Kuu, children journey out on Country to discover how Aboriginal people have nurtured the land for thousands of years, ensuring food and safety for all animals.
Through gentle storytelling and vivid illustrations, the book highlights the impact of environmental change and celebrates how First Nations knowledge can help restore balance. A beautiful reminder that by working together, everyone can play a part in protecting the animal world and the land we share.
RRP $24.99 | $16.00 on Amazon
The Incredible 3D Bug Hunt
Written by Peggy Nille
Little Ladybird’s 3D Adventure takes young readers on a vibrant journey through the jungle, where beetles shimmer, spiders spin, and butterflies flutter in dazzling colour. When Little Ladybird grows bored and sets off to explore, she meets an array of fascinating creatures and makes new friends along the way — even escaping danger with the help of some clever mantises.
With playful storytelling and clever 3D glasses that bring each scene to life, this interactive picture book is a joyful celebration of curiosity, friendship, and the wonders of the insect world.
RRP $34.95 | $26.25 Amazon
All About Antarctica
Written and illustrated by Marc Martin
All About Antarctica is a captivating illustrated guide to one of the planet’s most mysterious and fragile places. Packed with vibrant artwork and fascinating bite-sized facts, it explores everything from colossal squids and icy volcanoes to research stations and life among the penguins.
Perfect for curious readers of all ages, this book offers a thrilling journey through the southernmost continent, revealing how scientists study and survive in its extreme conditions while highlighting the global importance of protecting this disappearing world. A brilliant blend of adventure, discovery, and environmental awareness.
RRP $24.99 | Amazon $18.75
The Great Big Book of Museums: A visit to 13 spectacular museums from around the world
Written by Éva Bensard | Illustrated by Benjamin Chaud
A vibrant, oversized celebration of 13 extraordinary museums around the world — from the Louvre in Paris to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City and New York’s Museum of Natural History.
Each museum bursts to life across colourful double-page spreads filled with playful illustrations, fascinating facts, and delightful details, including stories of curators, artists, architects, and even the famous cats of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage.
Blending art, history, and discovery, this beautifully crafted book turns every page into a global adventure, inspiring readers young and old to fall in love with museums and the treasures they hold.
Bin Chicken Trash Treasury
Written by Jol and Kate Temple | Illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh
Bin Chicken! is a hilarious and energetic rhyming picture book that celebrates Australia’s most notorious urban bird — the ibis. With playful verse and bold illustrations, it follows the cheeky “Bin Chicken” as it proudly rummages through rubbish and struts through city streets, undeterred by the disgust of onlookers.
Bursting with humour and rhythm, this fun read turns a much-maligned bird into an unlikely hero, encouraging readers to see beauty, resilience, and character in even the most unexpected places.
RRP $29.99 | Amazon $15.00
The Peach King
Written by Inga Simpson | Illustrated by Tannya Harricks
A tender and timely fable about courage, change, and the resilience of nature. When Little Peach Tree grows up under the watchful eye of the Peach King, life in the orchard seems safe and steady — until drought and fire bring devastation to their world. As the land suffers, Little Peach Tree must find the strength to stand tall and protect what remains.
Beautifully written and richly painted, this poignant story reflects the cycles of nature and the power of hope in the face of environmental challenge.
RRP $24.99 | Amazon $16.00
Night Creatures: Firefly
Written by Robert Macfarlane | Illustrated by Luke Adam Hawker
A lyrical and enchanting picture book that follows a child drawn to a magical meadow lit by dancing fireflies — “fallen constellations” that shimmer among the summer grasses.
Written in delicate verse and illustrated with exquisite detail, the story celebrates the gentle power of hope and wonder, offering a luminous escape into a world where light triumphs over darkness.
Perfect for reading aloud, it’s a tender and visually stunning meditation on courage, curiosity, and the magic of nature.
RRP $32.99 | Amazon $26.99
Comeback Creatures: Discover the Wild Things Once Thought Extinct?
Written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe | Illustrated by Lucy Rose
A thrilling and hopeful exploration of Lazarus species — animals once thought extinct that have been rediscovered in the wild. From cloud forest lizards to reappearing ferrets, each chapter takes readers on a journey through unique habitats, revealing astonishing true stories of survival and resilience.
Filled with fascinating facts, atmospheric illustrations, and a wildlife detective guide, this book inspires curiosity and action, showing children how even small efforts can help protect nature.
A celebration of the wonder and persistence of the natural world, it’s both educational and uplifting.
Otherlands: An illustrated journey through Earth’s lost worlds
Written by Thomas Halliday | Illustrated by Gavin Scott
This immersive book takes readers on an epic voyage through time, from the last Ice Age back to the very first animals swimming and hunting. Along the way, they’ll encounter thundering herds of dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, glass reefs teeming with life, and even monkeys stranded on accidental rafts.
Richly detailed illustrations and vivid storytelling bring ancient worlds to life, revealing how plants, trees, and creatures of all sizes shared a planet very different from our own.
A spectacular journey for curious minds fascinated by natural history.
RRP $32.99 | Amazon $24.74
I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book
Written by Oliver Jeffers
A laugh-out-loud yet heartfelt picture book about friendship, priorities, and making time for the people who matter. On Bridget’s birthday, all her friends are too busy with errands, appointments, and odd tasks to celebrate with her.
Through playful storytelling and Jeffers’s bold, expressive illustrations, the story unfolds with warmth and humour, showing that even in our hectic lives, it’s never too late to make amends and show loved ones how much we care. A delightful reminder of what truly matters.
RRP $24.99 | Amazon $15.00