Black Swan

This is the story of a beautiful black swan that had once been caged, abandoned, freed and then welcomed by villagers where she was valued and listened to. The villagers are threatened by a volcano and are rescued by the swan that takes them to a new site where life continues and flourishes. The striking black and white drawings also feature designs that draw on the author’s African upbringing. Part fairy tale, part traditional story the book is about kindness and community.

Eric

A foreign exchange student came to live with a family, and as his name was difficult to pronounce he told the family to call him Eric. The family was very welcoming in their preparations for Eric but Eric chose to sleep and study in the kitchen pantry. Mum explains that, ‘It must be a cultural thing.’ The young narrator of the story had many expectations of Eric but although Eric was curious and polite he was interested in quite different objects and places. Eric leaves the family quite suddenly but a discovery in the pantry some hours later shows that Eric’s time with the family had been a positive one. This book can be viewed on many different levels and is quite inexplicable in the way it is viewed. This is a book to invite discussion about difference, empathy and place. Who is Eric, where is he from and where does he go? The text, as well as the pencil and collage illustrations, produces more questions than answers.

Cultural Diversity: Observations from Children and Young People

Young people who are students at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne set out to discover the cultures around them as well as the commonalities between them. Led by teachers at the RCH, the children wrote and illustrated about their experiences of different cultures, where those cultures are from as well as what it is to be Australian. This colourful book would be a good launching pad for students to create a similar book about their class, school or suburb.

My Muslim Mate

Charlie and his best mate, Khaled, were born on the same day, at the same hospital and live in the same street. Charlie describes Khaled and his family, religion and customs in a way that is easy to understand, yet respectful and friendly. It is a useful resource for non-Muslim children and adults who wish to learn more. It is also a book about friendship and the sharing of activities. At the end of the book is a glossary as well as a double page of activities to do with our wonderful world. Simple and colourful illustrations show families sharing time together.

Under the Southern Cross

From Phillip Island to Darwin, from Mon Repos to Boulia and around Broome, this colourful picture book takes you on a journey through the night-time activities across Australia. Each double page spread begins with the place name or area and a sentence about the place, each ending with - under the Southern Cross. The constellation, the Southern Cross, is clearly shown at the top of each scene. Short paragraphs with more detail about each place are scattered throughout the pages. Night-time activities such as fishing, football, fireworks, Min Min lights, turtles and penguins are drawn in detail with diverse groups of people enjoying the activities, under the Southern Cross. The final two pages give an explanation about the Southern Cross and how to find it in the night sky. (A bonus is that each page has a picture of Frane’s dog, also under the Southern Cross.)

The Night of the Hiding Moon

Felix is scared by the thunder and lightning that comes with a big storm but fortunately has his torch to give him light. The shadows cast on his bedroom walls become his comforting friends and his imagination turns them into shadow puppets which take him on an adventure. He explores the wandering moon, the valleys and the mountains until it is time to return safely home. The book ends with information about the Shadow Puppets of many Asian countries as well as instructions to make your own Shadow Puppets including templates. The book ends with a ‘Word from the Author and Illustrator’ telling readers about their inspiration for this beautiful book.

The Biscuit Maker

Who is the Biscuit Maker? Benedict Stanley and his cat, Audrey Mae, live at 23 Mavin Road. It’s a busy and diverse neighbourhood but people are not returning Benedict’s morning greetings. One day a young neighbour, Rory, stops to admire Audrey Mae and this gives Benedict the idea to begin baking biscuits for his street. This tasty but anonymous gift is well received until the day Benedict falls ill and the biscuit supply stops. People are concerned but don’t know why until Audrey Mae visits Rory. The neighbours all rally around to help Benedict until he recovers. A beautiful story of kindness and community with a Basic Biscuit Dough recipe at the back of the book.

Little Lon

Little Lon is based on the childhood recollections of Marie Hayes who lived near Little Lon, an area around Little Lonsdale Street in Melbourne. She describes her weatherboard house and all the people who lived nearby; people from all over the world. She describes her school, the street games she played, the weekly baths, the food and the markets. Most of all Marie remembers the people who made up her community and what they did. A beautifully illustrated history of inner Melbourne during the 1920-30’s with a final page describing the changes to the area since that time. Detailed Notes from the Author as well as a map of the area give a fascinating history of this area.

If You Come To Earth

This picture book opens with a child writing a letter, ‘Dear Visitor from Outer Space, if you come to Earth, here’s what you need to know.’ The author offers a series of microscopic perspectives on the world’s people, animals, places, transport and more. Meanwhile she details our common humanity while celebrating our differences. The large double page spreads are a visual feast celebrating different cultures, modes of travel, types of sea creatures, animals, birds and more.

Here is an opening line: ‘The Sea looks empty,’ then with a turn of the page, there is a huge array of sea creatures. ‘Grown-ups do lots of things to make the world work’, and displayed are 40 small portraits of people across the world engaged in various activities, dressed in different clothes and displaying their work and leisure activities.

There is an inbuilt social conscience in both words and images, such as the double page with 23 culturally different people sitting around a large table with various foods. The words say, ‘Whatever we are doing, we need to eat when we are hungry. Some of us have more food than others. We all need food and water to survive.’ Another example of this book’s gentle powers of observation show soldiers fighting while the text says, ‘Sometimes we hurt each other’ then ‘It’s better when we help each other’. As you might anticipate in a children’s book, the ending feature a young child writing a message to the potential visitor from outer space, ‘If you come to Earth, you can stay in my room.’

Sophie Blackwell explains the genesis of this book. When visiting a school on top of the Himalayan mountain in Bhutan and other places around the world, she found that stories brought people together in spite of social differences. She found inspiration in thoughts and ideas from children, many of which feature in this book.

Hello from Nowhere

Eve thinks that living in the middle of nowhere is better than living anywhere else. She lives at a petrol station with her parents and various animals. She’s not lonely because a bus stops by twice a day bringing a diverse group of people from all over the world as well as Australian truck drivers and caravaners who drive through. Even when there is no one else around Eve enjoys exploring the wide open spaces. One thing does make Eve sad, her Nan won’t visit because ‘She thinks it’s the back of beyond.’ Eve writes to her Nan and finally her Nan appears on the bus. Eve loves sharing her life with her Nan, showing her the people she meets on their travels or who live locally. Eve is sad when Nan returns home but knows her Nan will return. A beautiful picture book that shows that even in the middle of nowhere there is still a lot to see and enjoy including people from around the world as well as Australia’s First People.

The Year of the Rat

It is the Year of the Rat, 2020, according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. Rat stars in this story of a play featuring various animals where everything goes wrong during its production. Though timid and nervous, Rat refuses to give up. Through her strength, determination, hard work, persuasive will power and clever ways to solve problems, the play goes on. The crowd cheers and claps at the play’s successful performance. The illustrator’s watercolours are soft, cheerful and playful with plenty of white space to attract attention and bring out each animal character’s personality. A double page spread at the back of the book features each animal’s years of appearance on the calendar and the characteristics of each Zodiac animal. Rat, for example, is described as clever, sensitive and organised, among other traits.

The Voyage

Only 14 words tell this complex yet simple picture book story about a refugee’s journey from their homeland to their new home. A brief phrase features on each double page spread. Beginning with the word ‘chaos’, the viewer witnesses explosions, buildings collapsing, people running and a family fleeing to ‘escape’ to a boat. The viewer-participant in this picture book becomes part of the story as the family travels by sea before beginning a new life. This is a simplified version of the very complicated reality of a refugee. Informative watercolour images convey the story and keep young viewers interested. Children too young to understand the hardships of a refugee can gain a limited understanding about a family leaving their happy home and creating a new one. The topic of refugees fleeing is a difficult one for young readers, yet it is the reality for some children. The simplicity of the presentation makes this a suitable story for the younger reader.

Wisp: A Story of Hope

‘Idris lived in a small, small world where fences grew from the dirt and where shadows ruled.’ So begins this story with a poetic text. Idris, a young boy, encounters a gentle light which escapes from his hands and lands in the hands of individuals who are living in his world. As each person holds the gentle light, or the ‘Wisp’, they remember their lives in happier times. Each individual experiences happiness as ‘rememberings’ that are experienced. Idris though has no memories of other places in his life, so the Wisp shows him future possibilities and whispers to him, ‘Someday’. This open-ended picture book prompts discussion and individual interpretations enhanced by dreamy and captivating illustrations.

Wide Big World

Kindergarten children notice that they look different and have different cultures. They begin noticing many differences such as one is ‘hairy and tall’ and another is ‘cute, chubby and bald’. ‘Difference is everywhere’ in the world, including nature, they observe. Visible differences in cultures is the underlying theme, with both words and images conveying this idea clearly. The acceptance and appreciation of differences in this picture book offer opportunities for group discussion and interaction.

When the War is Over

Jackie French creates a series of moving short poems for this picture book which recalls relationships between those engaged in wartime conflicts. Those at home are waiting for their family members to return. The book is ‘about the joy of reunion and the enduring power of love’. Some of the conflicts included are World War I and II, Korean and Vietnam Wars, Indonesian conflict, Gulf Wars, Timor-Leste and others. Anne Spudvillas’ artwork is highly evocative and captures the emotions of those away in conflicts and those waiting at home for their family members to return.

We Are All Equal

The animals are different. They spend their time differently, have different skills, attributes, homes, families and bodies, but every single one matters. No one way of being is better than any other. Everyone is equal. This picture book will spark discussion about the different abilities and talents of those in a community with a reminder that despite differences everyone deserves respect, empathy and understanding.

The Book That Made Me

This anthology features 31 well known, mostly Australian and New Zealand, authors who write short stories, fiction, poetry and other types of works. Here they talk about the books they read when young that influenced, inspired, changed their lives and turned them into writers. Those featured include culturally diverse creators. Writers include Markus Zusack, Jaclyn Moriarty, Shaun Tan, Mal Peet, Ambelin Kwaymullina, Simon French, Fiona Wood, Simmone Howell, Bernard Beckett, Ursula Dubosarsky, Rachael Craw, Sue Lawson, Felicity Castagna, Benjamin Law, Cath Crowley, Kate Constable, James Roy, Alison Croggon, Will Kostakis and Randa Abdel-Fattah. Black and white cartoons by Shaun Tan feature. These authors’ favourite books may encourage young readers to read more widely.

Songs of a War Boy

Den Thiak Adut is six-years-old when war comes to his village in South Sudan. He is taken from his family, conscripted into the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army, taught how to use an AK-47 and sent to battle. He is shot, plagued by illness and experiences the horrors of war. There appears to be little hope for the future. His half-brother, John, rescues him after five years and both become the third Sudanese family resettled in Australia. He works in a local service station and learns English watching ‘The Wiggles’ and reading the Bible. He teaches himself to read and studies at TAFE then later completes a law degree at Western Sydney University and a Master of Laws in Criminal Prosecution at Wollongong University. Den Thiak Adut is the first person in his family to graduate from university. His story is confronting and best suited to a mature reader. In the prologue to this biography, he states, ‘Yes, I have had a difficult life. I’m proud of some things I have done, and ashamed of others, but I own all of it, and I’ve reconciled with all of it. That’s why I am whole.’ Deng Thiak Adut received Australian citizenship in 2001. He became a refugee advocate and for his achievements, chosen as the 2017 New South Wales Australian of the Year.

Songbird

Jamila is an 11-year-old who has left her friends, her school and her home in Iraq. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia. She, her mother and younger brother are refugees newly arrived from Iraq. She desperately misses her father and her best friend, both still in Iraq. It is hard for Jamila to settle into a new life made more difficult as she is often called away from school to help her mother. She desperately wants to learn English and do well in school, but these absences make this difficult. When she joins the choir, Jamila begins to feel happy. Singing helps take her worries away and find a place in her new life. The book includes a significant amount of Arabic and a glossary that provides the meaning for each of the words that Jamila and her mother use. When Jamila hears about the school choir, she at last has an opportunity to excel as she both sings and writes her own songs. She finds a new friend, Eve, who also loves to sing and agrees that Jamila is a gifted singer. The author uses her experience of teaching young people from different cultural backgrounds and her own love of music in this novel to create a story that touches the reader in so many familiar ways – pursuing your talents, making friends, and honouring family and traditions while embracing diversity.

Sarah’s Two Nativities

Grandmother Azar tells stories from the Holy Koran (sic) but Grandmother Maria tells stories from the Holy Bible. Sarah loves these tales but wonders how they can both be true. ‘Sarah’s Two Nativities’ is light-hearted picture book about family, acceptance and intercultural understanding. This book provokes discussion for families of more than one faith.

Same, but little bit diff’rent

Two youngsters compare their lives, one living in a country area of an Aboriginal community and the other living in a city. The repeated refrain says these are the ‘same but a little bit diff’rent’. The story content reveals an Aboriginal lifestyle in the northern part of Australia contrasted with another part of urban Australia. This picture book uses Dunstan’s signature collage technique with stylised illustrations that have a touch of humour and childlike appearance. Whereas pets in the city might be dogs, up north in Australia, the ‘friend’ might be an alligator. The repetitive phrasing encourages children to join in chanting the text and assists readers in anticipating both words and story. There is a sense of respect for both cultures. Kylie Dunstan spent a year in a remote community near Kakadu, Northern Territory.

Meet Me at the Intersection

This #ownvoices anthology, edited by Rebecca Lim and Ambelin Kwaymullina, represents 18 creators, both established and emerging writers who offer their ‘own voice’ through their memories, poetry and short fiction. The collection features writers who are First Nations, People of Colour, LGBTIQA+, those living with disability, migrant experiences and cultural backgrounds including Chinese-Australian, Muslim, Burmese, Canadian and others. Each author explores life from their own unique perspective using a range of writing styles such as short fiction, memoir and poetry. Some stories cover difficult and controversial topics but important for mature readers. Topics include racism, homophobia, bullying, death, mental health and others. Ambelin Kwaymullina is an Aboriginal writer and illustrator who comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Kindness Makes Us Strong

Each of the 12 double page spreads in this board book has a story to tell, such as sharing an object, taking turns, sharing space, cheering others up when needed. The bold, vibrant and busy illustrations feature cultural diversity in a natural way with children and adults all offering support of one kind or another to each other. Some unusual helping acts are included such as watering plants thus adding opportunities to talk about what the images are ‘saying’.

Leaf Stone Beetle

‘Leaf Stone Beetle’ is a beautifully produced story which is both simple and complex inviting multiple interpretations. Chapman’s three double page black ink drawings set the mood of serious contemplation and reflection. On one level this is a simple fable chapter book. It has three sections representing its three characters’ journeys. At the same time the story reflects the cyclical patterns of life in the natural world. The story opens with a violent storm where our first character, Leaf, is the sole survivor left on the tree. Then Leaf falls from the tree and shifts to the edge of a stream. Our second character, Stone, has been dislocated by the storm while Beetle, our third character, finds safety and a home beneath the Stone. The three characters form a community. There are many layers to unpack in this story with much discussion possible. Philosophical in nature, there are opportunities to discuss, home, family, dislocation, migration, resilience, relationships as well as topics such as the environment and survival.

Goat on a boat

Sheep lives on a harsh rocky island, where food is scarce and competition is fierce. When Goat arrives, there are concerns there will not be enough food for everyone. The immediate response is to ‘Stop the goats!’ Goat is not worried and instead shows the Sheep that visitors can make a valuable contribution to a community. There is a clever use of vocabulary, humour and rhyme in this picture book, which expresses opinions about Australia’s detention centres.

Amazing Australian Women: Twelve Women Who Shaped History

A dozen Australian women feature in this inspiring informational book. Here are women who have made a lasting impact as warriors, artists, business owners, scientists, singers, politicians, pilots, actors, athletes, adventurers, activists and innovators. Some are known Australia-wide while others are lesser known people. They come from every State and Territory in Australia and include Aboriginal people, a Chinese-Australian and others from wide-ranging backgrounds. The highly appealing, easy to read text is inspirational, retelling fascinating stories and providing anecdotes about each woman. Further resources include websites, images, articles and audio resources.

A Different Dog
Series: Different

The boy cannot speak, though the reader is not told why initially. He does speak to himself and animals when no one is around. His mother is out of work and the two live in poverty. He hopes to win a $1,000 prize awarded to the winner of a race up the mountain. It is a day of bleak weather conditions and the boy comes upon a car accident. The driver has been killed, but his dog has survived. There is suspense from start to finish, surprising twists and turns, and nail-biting situations. Jennings cleverly intertwines ethical and moral dilemmas to open up discussion around ‘what if’? The reader is invited to consider the limitations and influences on a person whose life may not be characterised as ‘easy’.

A Different Land
Series: Different

The story follows the fortunes of Anton, Christopher and their mother Pat who journeyed to a new land in the earlier novel, A Different Boy. The story is told from Christopher’s point of view as the family adjusts to a new life. When their mother Pat gets a job in a country town, Anton is happy but Christopher finds it hard to settle and wants to go home. Once again, Paul Jennings deftly explores themes of guilt and redemption while telling a compelling story, with humour and emotion. This story is best understood by reading the first title in the series, ‘A Different Boy’.

A Home for Luna

Luna the cat is washed ashore on an island after danger forces her to leave home. Hungry and lonely, Luna meets a penguin on the beach who befriends her. The penguin colony takes Luna into their community. One day a strange boat arrives and a man tries to take Luna away, but the penguins peck at the man, and Luna hisses, scratches and wriggles free. Luna has found a new home where she feels happy and safe. This simple picture book story is aimed at young children to help them understand the trauma of leaving home and country and the challenges of finding a safe, new home and making friends.

Between Us

Anahita is a teenage Iranian asylum seeker who lives in an Australian detention camp. She is allowed to attend the local secondary school. Her younger brother is insecure and perplexed by all that goes on around him. Their mother is pregnant and distraught because her husband is unable to join her. This young adult novel moves rapidly, revealing various characters’ experiences and personal viewpoints. Readers gain different perspectives on asylum seekers, detention centres and ‘outsiders’ seeking to understand experiences other than their own. Viewpoints shift to a family outside the detention camp. Kenny is a Vietnamese single father who migrated to Australia. His new job is as a guard in the Wickham Point Detention Centre. He meets Anahita and in sympathy with her insecurity, mentions his son, Jono, who attends the local secondary school. When 16-year-old Jono meets 15-year-old Anahita at school, there is a connection but it is one fraught with emotional difficulty.

It is unusual to have adults featured so strongly in a novel for young adults. Here it works well to reveal troubling relationships between parents and children and the misconceptions that can occur. Portraying different generations also allows different eras of immigration stories to be told. To add authenticity to this story, the author, of Vietnamese background, undertook extensive research, conducted through interviews, work as a volunteer in Villawood Detention Centre and running activities for asylum seekers in Wickham Point. She also sought advice from an Iranian cultural adviser.

There could be no easy ending for this book. Instead, this is a story designed to delve into the difficulties of detainees in detention camps and misconceptions held by those in the Australian community.

Eureka! A Story of the Goldfields

Historical fiction, when told from a first person perspective, can successfully engage young readers, as the case here. The authentic illustrations, appearing in oil or gouache, capture the Ballarat, Victoria goldfield settlement, the goldminers and their equipment, soldiers and the Australian environment in rich detail. The character of young Catherine is based on an English immigrant who came to Australia when she and her Papa left London for the goldfields. Nine months at sea. Mama dies of typhoid fever. Father and daughter finally arrive, but every gold-mining spot appears taken, until they meet young Chen who offers help. He is a 16-year-old Chinese boy, here alone, hoping one day to bring his mother and sister over from China. He too is based on an historical person, Pan Ah Shin, a teenage boy who emigrated from Canton, China in 1851. There is much prejudice against the Chinese on the goldfields and they are poorly treated. The next day a policeman arrives demanding the family’s license to mine for gold and threatens imprisonment if payment is not made.

This picture book features the Ballarat gold miners’ rebellion against the high license fees and the Victorian government’s refusal to grant them land where they work. Tensions continue to build. Peter Lalor, an historical figure and one of the miners, speaks to a gathered crowd and persuades the miners to claim their rights. They build a stockade and refuse to pay the licence fees. The soldiers attack with a devastating loss of life. The back endpapers provide a valuable timeline detailing the build up of tensions between miners and solders, the Eureka Rebellion and the aftermath. Peter Lalor, who was a leader in the rebellion, is later elected to the Victorian Parliament. This book can be compared to Alan Tucker’s, picture book, ‘Rebellion at Eureka’, which offers different characters’ viewpoints while also detailing the Eureka rebellion.

Grandma’s Treasured Shoes

‘Grandma has oodles and oodles of shoes.’ So begins the author’s lyrical text that sets the tone and captures attention. The story is sensitively told for children at both preschool and older years, and helps them to understand the plight of refugees and to appreciate their contribution to the shaping of Australia. The illustrator is a first generation Australian-born artist of a Vietnamese refugee family. Factual details about international and Australian policies on refugees at the end of the book are a valuable addition to this picture book.

Culture

What is culture? The author has taken on the massive task of surveying culture and demonstrating through words and photographs how culture differs yet is similar the world over. Using multiple photographs across single and double page spreads, the author concisely touches on such topics as clothing, holy places, architecture and language plus unexpected topics like gestures and difficult to define words like values, norms and sanctions. Topics include cultural faux pas and high versus low culture. The author attempts to be value-free and, for the most part, succeeds. Where there is room for different perspectives, readers and viewers are encouraged to discuss and question. The glossary of terms is an area where discussion is useful to tease out different cultural attitudes and ideas. ‘Culture ‘is profusely and attractively illustrated with mostly stock photographs from around the world.

Growing up Muslim in Australia: Coming of Age

Twelve stories told by Australian Muslims explores the challenges of growing up in culturally diverse Australia. The Wide-ranging Muslim experience is revealed in stories of a beauty queen, kickboxer, Rugby League star, lesbian, atheist and more, all with common experiences of life in Australia. The contributors’ profiles are also included.

Hyram and B

This is a book that is so much more than a story of two bears. It is a beautifully illustrated story of friendship, family, loss and homecoming. Ottley’s illustrations exude a softness and warmth that draws the reader into the story of finding a home. The two bears remember the before, the waiting and finally a new home with a little girl who understands the ‘secret language of bears’. This simple story also reflects the life of refugees and as such is suitable for older readers as they begin to understand that not all people have a safe place to live

Kids Who Did

Forty true stories in the biography genre celebrate young people who have ‘protested, prayed, rebelled, saved lives, earned a fortune, lost everything, become world-famous, and/or fought to survive war and oppression’. This is a new edition of ‘Tough Stuff: True Stories of Kids and Courage’. This new edition includes 11 new stories and a new chapter. Included are stories about Olympic champions, human-rights and climate change activists and others. The author states that these stories are ‘about kids who saved lives, came up with big ideas, survived terrible circumstances and believed they could make a difference. Not all of these stories have happy endings, and some of the children are still growing up so their futures are not yet written.’

Little Nic’s Big Day

First day at school is always a bit scary for children and so it is for little Nic, who is not at all sure about this new adventure. On the way to school a range of culturally diverse families with their children appear. At school, each child in the class shares their special interest with the class. The children speak Farsi, Greek, French, Fijian, and Malay while a mum and child use sign language to communicate. The author says his inspiration for this story is his childhood when he was terrified of school. His hair and skin are different, and he is tall and shy. Throughout this picture book featuring illustrations and rhyming text, there are a few Fijian words, plus much sharing of cultural differences and interests. Illustrations are bold with cultural differences portrayed in a positive way.

Rebellion at Eureka

This historical fiction novel is set in 1854 in the booming goldfields of Ballarat, Victoria. Our young character, Alf, is 13-years-old when he and his mum leave Melbourne and travel by horse and dray to set up their general store in a tent at Ballarat. The goldfields are portrayed as chaotic, dangerous yet exciting too. Alf hears stories of gold dust and hard work but police harassment too. Tensions build and there are talks of rebellion by the miners. Tucker’s main aim is to provide insights into life at the goldfields, who came to the goldfields and why and also to explore reasons behind the Eureka rebellion by the miners. Reasons given are the bullying police, troopers’ violence, and the Victorian government’s unjust treatment of the miners. Most of the characters Tucker writes about existed while others are Tucker’s creation. These characters’ interactions bring the Eureka story alive with the rebellion itself described in detail. A woman and 27 men and are killed by the British redcoats. Five soldiers lose their lives. In the historical notes at the end, Tucker briefly outlines the story of the rebellion at Eureka and the reasons leading up to it.

Sonam and the Silence

In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Sonam lives in a world that is dark and silent. One day she follows a magical melodious sound to a walled garden, and her world is silent no more. The sound is music, and it lifts her up ‘amongst the stars’ and takes her ‘deeper than the tree roots in the earth’. This lyrical text and fable-like story is based on fact. It is told by well-known musician, author and broadcaster Eddie Ayres. After the triumph of the Taliban in Afghanistan, all forms of music were banned. The story imagines one small girl—Sonam—meeting an old man who defies the ban and plays music. When music is forbidden, that, he says, is 'when we need it most'. From the old man, Sonam learns to play the rubab, a traditional instrument made from the wood of a mulberry tree. The book gives a voice to children who live through war. The story is dedicated by the illustrator to 'all kids experiencing war who will never have a chance to read this book'.

The Dress-up Box

The Frolley family live in a much-beloved house on Sunshine Avenue, which has everything a child loves. It has a frog pond, birdbath, birds, a haunted shed, much-loved neighbours, the Choong family and more. Their new house is just the opposite, but home proves to be ‘where the heart is’. With the help of their dress-up box, the children pursue magical adventures imbued with imagination, family and friendships in this simple picture book story. Lively, imaginative illustrations of the children’s dress ups, coupled with a simple, appealing text, capture the imaginative activities which dispel the heartache and traumas of moving, losing and finding new friends.

Hadamar: The House of Shudders

Jason Foster is a history teacher who includes the Holocaust in his curriculum. He discoveres Hadamar, an institution where the ‘undesirables’, including the mentally and physically disabled and others, are systematically killed according to Nazi policies. This time and placeias the inspiration for the novel. As historical fiction, the focus centres on Ingrid Marchand, a teenage girl with German-French-Senegalese ancestry. She is placed in a psychiatric hospital because of the colour of her skin. Hitler’s policies of racial cleansing made Ingrid’s existence precarious. Adding authenticity to this story, the author uses American military documents, archival footage and interviews. Ingrid is a composite character of the stories of black children in Nazi Germany while the Hadamar staff and the stories told within the narrative are based on real events. Readers should be aware that the novel includes graphic images and detailed passages outlining the cruel torture of many victims of Hadamar. This novel, told in first person, is an emotionally harrowing one requiring a mature readership.

A Different Boy
Series: Different

The boy, who is never named, hopes for a new life in a new land, having lost his father in the war and his mother who drowned. From the orphanage where he lives, he can see an ocean liner leaving for the New Land. He longs to be aboard, but knows that there is no room for an unaccompanied boy. These are the bones of a simply told story with twists, surprises, and both sad and happy moments. The underlying story is about refugees. The story is intentionally vague as to time and place, so that it can be read and appreciated on many levels and by people with different experiences. This simple but touching story features evocative line and minimal sketches throughout. Here is the story of a young boy, who escapes from an orphanage and successfully stows away on a boat headed for the land of 'sunshine and steaks'. The story is loosely based on the author’s own journey to Australia as a 'ten pound Pom'. Reluctant readers will find the story rewarding and easy to read.

The Book Thief

The time is World War II and the Nazis take Liesel’s father away. Liesel’s mother takes her and her younger brother to find sanctuary for them with a new family. When Liesel retrieves a burning book, it becomes emblematic of Hitler’s destruction of knowledge and life and inspires her to survive. Liesel’s unforgettable story is told through the unusual viewpoint of ‘Death’ as a narrator. The emotional spectrum of this novel includes hope and despair.

The Wrong Boy

Hanna lives in the concentration camp, Auschwitz. As a gifted pianist, she is ordered to play for the camp commandant. Hanna meets the commandant’s pacifist son and a relationship develops. This story reveals the human side of the Holocaust.

Teacup

A young boy has to leave his homeland carrying only a book, a bottle, a blanket and a teacup with earth from where he used to play. In this picture book’s poetic and moving text, the young boy is protected by a tree that grows from the soil in his teacup. He longs for his past while searching the horizon for land where he eventually arrives safely.

Metis, the Octopus and the Olive Tree

Metis and her family leave their small Greek island for Australia, but Yia Yia, her grandmother, stays behind. The family misses their culture, lifestyle and the all-important Yia Yia with her important story. The heartbreak of leaving family and culture behind lies at the core of this moving story.

Rafferty Takes to Fishing
Series: Rafferty

Rafferty is a Yorkshire immigrant to Australia. In this novel, one of three about Rafferty, he learns much about Australian life through a fishing trip. Rafferty, his mates, and his grandfather portray rural Australia.

Cloudwish

Van Uoc Phan is an Australian-born Vietnamese of refugee parents who arrived by boat after experiencing many hardships. Van Uoc recently won a scholarship to a private prestigious secondary school and finds cultural differences at home and at school make life difficult.

Light Horse Boy

In 1914, Jim, aged 17 and his friend, Charlie, leave the Australian outback for life in the Light Horse. Many perspectives including photographs, illustrations, primary sources such as letters provide a realistic insight into this time period and particular experience. Companion work to the author’s Lighthorse Girl.

Lighthouse Girl

At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, 14-year-old Fay Howe lives with her father, the lighthouse keeper on bleak Breaksea Island. Fay knows semaphore and Morse code and responds when the soldiers on the warships signal to her. The soldiers send Fay messages for their loved ones, which she relays for them. After the soldiers depart for the battlefields of Egypt and Gallipoli, Fay continues her conversations with them through letters and postcards. This story uses archival material as source material and interweaves fact with fiction. This story highlights the hardships of those left at home during the war.

Never Lose Hope: The Story of Australia’s First School

John is a child convict, transported to New South Wales for stealing a shirt. Starving and alone, he is taken in by Australia's first schoolteacher, Isabella Rosson. There John learns to read and write and becomes a star pupil until he is discovered by the soldiers and again taken away in chains. John never forgets the power of words and always hopes for a better future. This picture book is inspired by the life of convict Isabella Rosson, the first teacher in the colony at Port Jackson, and John Hudson, the youngest First Fleet convict. Wilson’s artwork brings this amazing story to life.

Vietnam Diary

Leigh and Jason are brothers, best mates but with differing views on war. Jason is conscripted and sent to Vietnam to fight. Leigh struggles to understand Jason’s choice eventually coming to terms that he is doing what he thinks is right. This picture book covers Jason’s time in the war through letter writing and imaginative artwork.

Angel of Kokoda

Kari is an orphaned Papua New Guinean boy who encounters an injured Australian soldier. Together they make their way down the Kododa Track. Oil paintings and pencil sketches capture the times and emotions.

The Afghanistan Pup

Combining the story of an Afghani schoolgirl and an Australian soldier, who both love a lost pup. Issues in this picture book include the war in Afghanistan, education of girls, rebuilding war torn areas and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Compassion for those in need features.

Ten Pound Pom

The author’s family migrated to Australia in 1962 as 'Ten Pound Poms’ when she was 13-years-old. Leaving her teddy bear is one of the emotional issues for both author and reader. Daily life aboard the ship SS Arcadia features along with arriving in Australia and looking ahead. Illustrations in this picture book format add interest and historical details. An explanation of the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme is included.

The Treasure Box

When the town and its library is destroyed by the enemy, the family leaves. Peter’s father treasures the library book he had at home, and his dying wish is that Peter must protect this book. When Peter must flee he buries the book under a tree, returning many years later to return the book to a rebuilt library in his old town. Collage artwork in this picture book uses text from Gleitzman’s 'Felix and Zelda' series plus ephemeral objects which can be seen across the landscape, thus capturing the flight of refugees.

Let the Celebrations Begin

The author was inspired to capture an important time in history. She read about a small collection of stuffed toys made by Polish women in the German Belsen concentration camp in World War II. The toys were created for an anticipated celebration and liberation of those imprisoned. It is a topic seemingly impossible to convey in a picture book, yet both author and illustrator have captured the preparations and emotions involved in this momentous occasion. Two historical quotes included in the book authenticate this work of fiction.

First Day

The first day at school features for several children from diverse backgrounds. The day begins before school, getting there, various traumas and humorous moments all feature for kids, mother (also attending school) and teacher. Liberally illustrated picture book with childhood a strong feature.

The Feather

The setting could be post-war, post-apocalyptic or simply one of hard times. Young Maria and Nico find a mysterious giant white feather, which they protect as a sign of future hope. The sparse text, open ending and darkly cinematic full-page images in this picture book will provoke discussion with older children about world events.

The Invisible War: A Tale on Two Scales

This is a science-history graphic novel set on the Western Front during World War 1. The story involves a Victorian nurse who supports the troops in the Western front trenches and at the same time views the gut microbes that protect her body from a bout of dysentery. The story is based on scientific and historical facts.

A Gift of Squares

Emma is 10-years-old when her family move from England to Warradale, a country town in Australia. She is very homesick and lonely. The teacher at her new school is returning to England and the class wish to give her a gift. Emma suggests they make a friendship quilt. With the making of this quilt, Emma finds friendship and belonging.

Trouble Tomorrow

Based on a true story, Obulejo reveals life for this 16-year-old Sudanese boy who escapes from his war torn country and becomes a refugee in Kenya. His first years in refugee camps reveal extreme hardships until his decision to make a better life for himself through education. The story is one of courage, resilience and hope.

Making My Place: Behind the Scenes of the Television Series

This book is a photographic record of the making of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation television series, My Place.

My Place: The Story of Australia from Now to Then

This picture book reveals the story of Australia from 1988 back to 1788 and earlier. The story shows how one small piece of Australia has changed over the years as revealed through the various cultural groups and individuals who lived there.