We love books! And we especially love Australian kid’s books. If you’ve been following our book reviews for a while you’ll know what our favourite Aussie books for pre-schoolers are and also some great reads to get your children excited for a trip around Australia. Our boys are still pre-school age but The 13-Storey Treehouse recently got recommended to us and I’ve really enjoyed reading it aloud to Mr 4 – with hopes that he’ll love reading it himself when he’s a bit older.
Discovering this book led me to research some more Australian early reader titles – this list was not an easy choice, primarily because of the different levels of literacy from ages 5 to 11 years, which is why you may consider some choices too young for your little one or, conversely, much too difficult, which at least they will grow into! (and you’ll enjoy reading aloud)
Our favourite Australian kid’s books for early readers, in no particular order, are….
The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s fantastically funny The 13-Storey Treehouse is told through a combination of text and cartoon-style illustrations. The first in the series where Andy and Terry live in the WORLD’S BEST treehouse! It’s got everything that you can imagine, and more! Whatever you do, don’t get trapped in a burp-gas-filled bubble!
My Dog the Dinosaur by Jackie French & Stephen Michael King
When Gunk sees Spot at the dog pound, he knows immediately that Spot is the dog for him. But Spot is not an ordinary dog. He has a long neck and a flat tail, and he eats lettuce. Lots of it. In fact, Spot is the strangest-looking dog Gunk has ever seen. Spot is scared of cats, too! Then Spot starts to grow… Will Spot ever learn to bark? Gunk’s dad wears fluffy chicken slippers. His sister, Fliss, is into weightlifting and his mum is searching for aliens. What strange secret does Pete, the girl next door, keep in her shed?
The wacky talents of Jackie French and Stephen Michael King will delight younger readers as way out adventures unfold
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Bale
not an easy decision but just edged out The Legend of the Golden Snail by the same author.
A mystery is afoot! When Horace the elephant turns eleven, he celebrates in style by inviting his exotic friends to a splendid costume party, however in the midst of the games, music, and revelry, someone has eaten the birthday feast! The rhyming text and lavish, detailed illustrations each provide clues for you to decide, whodunit!
There are 6 holiday books by Roland Harvey which can be bought as a set Everything We Ever Saw: From the Beach to the Bush and More! however, 216 pages could be a bit daunting for young readers!
Each is a gem in its own write (sic!) but I chose this particular volume because at the time of writing it was the cheapest on Bookdepository!
Beautifully illustrated too – this makes the books great for younger readers still learning to read.
Weirdo by Anh Do & Jules Faber
Ahn Do is the new master of Australian kid’s books!
Meet Weir Do.
No, that’s not a typo, that’s his name!
Weir Do is the new kid in school. That’s not a typo, that’s his name! Not only is it unforgettable but it comes with a crazy family, and some seriously weird habits! Fitting in won’t be easy . . . but it will be funny!
Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan & Pamela Lofts
One of the classic Australian kid’s books, in which a dingo catches a wombat and wants to cook him in a stew. However, all the other bush animals have a plan to save their friend, which results in a stew the dingo will never forget!
How Big is Too Small? By Jane Godwin & Andrew Joyner
Poor Sam always gets left out of his big brother’s games with the excuse that ‘You’re too small.’. But one day when the big boys leave him out again, Sam gets to thinking…How big is too small?
This is a delightful, rollicking story that explores big and small in a whole new way.
Miss Mae’s Saturday by Justine Flynn and J. Yi
When you’re a child, Is anything as sad and boring as being stuck inside on a rainy Saturday? Well, that depends on your imagination…! Stuck inside due to a huge storm, Miss Mae thinks there is no chance of an adventure. That is until Grandma pulls out a giant cardboard box…..
If you need some more inspiration on how to find great kids’ books read this article – it has loads of great ideas on where your next favourite read is hiding!
************************************************
Should you decide to purchase any of the above, and you don’t have a favourite online or local book retailer, please consider using my link to www.bookdepository.com. Not only will I get commission on any purchases but you will get free Worldwide delivery. My parents in the UK find this a brilliant way to buy books for their Aussie grandsons.
Like it? Pin it!
Leave a Reply