Sun, Sand, and Seagulls: 12 Aussie Picture Books About a Day at the Beach

Summer is a great time of year – especially if you’re a kid! School’s out, the sun is shining bright, it’s hot and it’s time for fun. The beach plays such a big part in stories of an Australian summer, something that has been reflected in our home-grown picture books for decades – and what better way to while away the evening hours at home than by reading some picture books together about the wonderful world of surf, salt, and sand?

Better Reading had lots of fun remembering all our favourite beach-themed picture books, and came up with the following list – make sure to let us know if we’ve missed one of your favourites!

Grandpa and Thomas – Pamela Allen

There’s a Sea in My Bedroom – Margaret Wild

Looking for Crabs – Bruce Whatley

Greetings from Sandy Beach – Bob Graham

Magic Beach – Alison Lester

The Deep – Tim Winton

Max – Marc Martin

Grammy Grommet, and Me – Dianne Wolfer

Noni the Pony Goes to the Beach – Alison Lester

At the Beach – Roland Harvey

Bear and Chook by the Sea – Lisa Shanahan

Great White Man-Eating Shark – Margaret Mahy