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With the power of reading, children can experience magic from the comfort of their own home. Stories take children on adventures across the world, helping them explore flourishing forests, distant galaxies and the deep depths of the ocean.
Books spark imagination, promote literacy skills, celebrate diversity and encourage curiosity. At Heritage House Childcare & Early Learning Centres, we celebrate the power of reading every day and use it to foster a lifelong love of learning.
With the weather heating up, there are plenty of new, exciting Australian books that every child can enjoy over the holiday season. In this blog, we’ll explore our top reading picks for you and your little one this summer.
Dear Broccoli
Jo Dabrowski & Cate James (illustrator)
This hilarious picture book features letters between Frank and Broccoli as Frank is very reluctant to eat his greens. With witty text and playful illustrations, this story is not only fun for fussy eaters but for everyone. The growing relationship between Frank and Broccoli encourages little learners to look at their dinner in a new light.
Once I was a Giant
Zeno Sworder
Crafted by an award-winning author, this story encourages children to let their imagination soar. It follows a picture-book maker who runs out of stories, so his pencil decides to tell her own and become a mighty tree. The book celebrates the power of nature and how trees make our lives possible in an increasingly digital, urbanised world. It helps young people understand the essential relationships between forests and the creatures they house.
Here, Bear and Everywhere
Damian Balassone & Jess Racklyeft (illustrator)
Using playful poetry and cuddly illustrations, Damian Balassone and Jess Racklyeft take you on a fun-filled adventure in this book. Readers get to meet a pear bear, a share bear and even an éclair bear. Its clever rhyming scheme and cutesy humour will have you and your little one returning to this story again and again.
Dropbear
Philip Bunting
Philip Bunting is a creator of internationally acclaimed fiction and non-fiction. His latest rhyming picture book is set in a forest where animals gossip about the mysterious creature that lives up above. But one day, a little birdie decides to find out the truth for themselves. This hilarious, fun story introduces children to an iconic creature of the Australian bush and is guaranteed to become a fast favourite.
Little Cloud
Heidi McKinnon
This sweet story for babies and toddlers follows a cloud’s journey to find its place in the world. With rhyming text, a playful voice, and bright illustrations, it takes readers on an adventure where the hero faces big emotions with humour and resilience. This new reading gem is perfect for teaching children the importance of belonging.
Here Come the Cousins
Maggie Hutchings & Sarah Zweck (illustrator)
Packed with joyful text and bright visuals, this book follows a little girl who is excited when her seven cousins arrive to spend the summer with her. It’s a celebration of Australia’s long, lazy summer days and represents the fun of exploring, swimming, and playing as a child. This story is sure to make you feel nostalgic about special family moments and the Australian landscape.
Counting Crocodiles
Bulla Camp Primary School
Published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, this vibrant book features fun illustrations by children from Bulla Camp Primary School in the Northern Territory. This valuable early learning resource teaches readers how to count to 10 and introduces them to early literacy concepts as they follow the hatching of colourful, cheeky crocodiles.
Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder
Tim Winton & Cindy Lane (illustrator)
This celebration of the Ningaloo region in Western Australia is inspired by the well-known author Tim Winton’s 25-year-long effort to preserve its biodiversity. It introduces little readers to the wonder of whale sharks, muddy mangroves and colourful coral reefs and helps them learn the importance of biodiversity. With Tim Winton’s powerful storytelling and Cindy Lane’s engaging illustrations, children are encouraged to support and protect the region in the years to come.
Reading at Heritage House
At Heritage House, we celebrate the creativity and curiosity that stories bring to early childhood. Our centres host daily storytime sessions and feature cozy reading corners for children of all ages. Our experienced educators also incorporate interactive elements into their storytelling, such as props, puppets, and dramatic play.
The Heritage House curriculum aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and encourages children to participate in literacy activities and play-based learning. These experiences help our young readers understand and navigate the world around them.
To learn more about how we promote the magic of reading, book a tour of your local centre or contact us today!