3 Reasons Why You Should Read Bush Bubs & Sunny & Shadow by Helen Milroy

What’s the books about?

Bush Bubs

This delightful collection of illustrated Australian baby animals is sure to capture the hearts of readers big and small. From adorable numbat joeys to fuzzy little wombats, this is a cute and educational early reader picture book introducing tiny readers to tiny bush babies.

Sunny & Shadow

Calla is born with a precious gift – she can talk to the dingoes. It is her special job to learn their ways and to look after them. But when new people come to her land, Calla and her family are forced to move away from her beloved dingoes.

Meanwhile, one of Calla’s favourite dingoes, a cheeky little pup named Chichi, escapes from danger through a special cave. When he emerges in a different time and place and is befriended by a young girl named Sunny, she takes him to meet her grandmother, and discover that they already know each other – Sunny’s grandmother is Calla! Together they work to get the dingoes safely back to country.

Recommended for: 

Ages 6+

Three reasons to read it: 

1. The theme of family runs deep in both books. In Sunny & Shadow, Calla’s connection to her family and land is central to her journey, and in Bush Bubs, animals like kangaroos and wombats are shown in family groups, teaching readers about the importance of belonging. Both books have that special spark where nature and magic come together—so whether it’s furry animals or mystical creatures, there’s plenty to “aww” over.
2. From the Australian bush to magical lands, both books introduce young readers to the incredible wildlife of Australia. In Bush Bubs, you’ll see real-life Aussie animals like wallabies and koalas, while Sunny & Shadow shows how dingoes play an important role in the land’s story. These books teach you about Aussie animals and culture in the most fun and exciting ways!
3. Whether you’re a young reader or just young at heart, Bush Bubs and Sunny & Shadow offer something for everyone who adores animals. From baby wombats learning to dig in Bush Bubs to a dingo pup on a grand adventure in Sunny & Shadow, these books bring the wild world of Australian creatures to life in such a captivating way!

Buy a copy of Bush Bubs here.

Buy a copy of Sunny & Shadow here.

About the author:

Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She was born and educated in Perth. Helen has always had a passionate interest in health and wellbeing, especially for children. Helen studied medicine at the University of Western Australia. She is currently a professor at UWA, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Board Member with Beyond Blue and the AFL’s first Indigenous Commissioner.