Perfect for curious young minds during the summer holidays, this collection introduces children to the fascinating wildlife that thrives in Australian backyards and local environments. These engaging picture books and early chapter books combine beautiful illustrations with fun facts about native birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals that children might encounter during outdoor adventures. Each book encourages hands-on exploration and helps develop a lifelong appreciation for Australia's unique natural heritage.
The blue-tongue lizard sunning itself on your back deck isn't just soaking up rays – it's an invitation to adventure. Every Australian summer, gardens and bushland come alive with creatures that spark wonder in young eyes, from the possums rustling through fruit trees at dusk to the wombats leaving their cube-shaped calling cards near burrows. This collection of beloved Australian picture books transforms those backyard encounters into stories that stick.
At the heart of this wildlife library sits "Possum Magic" by Mem Fox, where Grandma Poss's bush magic makes young Hush invisible – a neat trick until the little possum yearns to see herself again. Their journey across Australia in search of lamingtons and Vegemite sandwiches has enchanted children since 1983, teaching geography alongside the magic of native animals. For pure Australian cheek, "Diary of a Wombat" by Jackie French delivers the week's events from a wombat's perspective: Monday – slept, Tuesday – slept more, Wednesday – discovered humans make excellent servants when properly trained.
The collection balances gentle whimsy with rollicking humour. "Wombat Stew" serves up bush justice when clever native animals save their friend from a hungry dingo by convincing him to add mud, feathers, and flies to his pot. Meanwhile, "Koala Lou" explores deeper emotional territory as a young koala seeks her mother's attention through the Bush Olympics, learning that love doesn't diminish when families grow.
For children ready to graduate from picture books, "The Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill" offers Dorothy Wall's timeless tales of a mischievous koala whose escapades have delighted readers for generations. May Gibbs' "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie" takes younger readers into the secret world of gumnut babies, while Leigh Hobbs' "Old Tom, Man of Mystery" brings contemporary humour through an alley cat who'd rather cause chaos than help with housework.
Graeme Base's "Animalia" stands apart as an artistic treasure hunt where Australian creatures hide among elaborate illustrations for each letter. "The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek" tackles identity and belonging through a creature searching for others like himself, while "There's a Sea in My Bedroom" uses a magic conch shell to help a boy overcome his fears – perfect for children nervous about beach trips.
Start with "Possum Magic" for the youngest listeners, then add "Diary of a Wombat" for giggles. Adventure-seekers will adore Blinky Bill's antics, while artistic children can spend hours poring over "Animalia". Each book opens windows into Australian nature, turning every garden rustle and beach visit into potential magic. After all, once you've read about wombats training humans and possums eating pavlova for visibility, that blue-tongue lizard becomes far more interesting.

Mem Fox

Marcia K. Vaughan

Mem Fox

Dorothy Wall

May Gibbs

Jackie French

Leigh Hobbs

Graeme Base

Jenny Wagner

Margaret Wild
Perfect for young children just starting to read independently, this collection features simple stories about summer fun Down Under. From building sandcastles and learning to swim to understanding sun safety and beach rules, these early reader books combine engaging storylines with important seasonal lessons. Ideal for keeping beginning readers engaged during the long Australian summer holidays while building both literacy skills and safety awareness.
A delightful collection of children's picture books celebrating the magic of Australian summer holidays through stories of family beach trips, backyard cricket matches, Christmas barbecues, and coastal adventures. These books capture the unique joy of Australian summer traditions whilst teaching children about family bonds, seasonal celebrations, and the special memories created during the long summer school holidays. Perfect for sharing with young readers aged 3-8 during the festive season and summer break.
Discover Australia's unique natural world. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, these books celebrate the continent's extraordinary biodiversity and landscapes.
Perfect for young readers aged 4-8 who are just starting to read independently, this collection features engaging stories that teach water safety, sun protection, and beach awareness during Australia's hot summer months. These carefully selected early reader books combine fun Australian summer adventures with important safety messages, helping children develop both reading skills and beach smarts. Ideal for parents wanting educational yet entertaining books that prepare kids for safe summer holidays at Australia's beautiful coastlines.
Perfect for young readers ready to tackle longer stories independently, these chapter books capture the excitement and freedom of Australian school holidays. From coastal camping trips to outback explorations, these engaging stories celebrate the unique adventures that define an Australian childhood summer. Ideal for keeping confident early readers engaged during the long summer break with relatable characters and familiar settings.