8 picture books with big messages for curious little minds

Children’s innocence is one of their best qualities, but they also get more and more intrigued as they take in this great big world. Take advantage of their curious little minds and open up important conversations in the way they understand it best.

From big topics of bushfires and COVID-19, to simple (but just as important) messages about friendship, we’ve listed 8 books to get big messages out to little readers.

I’m A Hero Too by Jamila Rizvi and Peter Cheong

An insightful, topical and practical picture book story about a family coping with the changes brought about by Covid-19, from the much-loved Jamila Rizvi. Through Peter Cheong’s vivid illustrations to accompany Jamila’s writing, little ones will feel empowered and reassured about the changes to their world – making them a hero in their home too! 3+ years

The Fire Wombat by Jackie French

As the flames of a bushfire approach, one small wombat shelters with other animals in her burrow. But that’s just the beginning of their journey to safety. Based on events witnessed by Jackie Frech during the 2020 fires, co-created with award-winning illustrator Danny Snell, this is a story of courage, compassion and survival. 3+ years

This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder 

From contemplating our place on this ‘blue dot’ to the best Italian, Chinese and Indian desserts, this book provides a broader, more inclusive view of who we are. Richly illustrated with original pencil and crayon drawing will conjure up memories of childhood and brings out a strong message of interconnectedness, hope and empowerment. 3+ years

Hello Jimmy! by Anna Walker 

One day, a parrot appears on the doorstep. His name is Jimmy. Dad thinks Jimmy is amazing. He’s loud, he’s funny and full of surprises! But Jack doesn’t like surprises at all. Hello Jimmy! is a tender, touching story of a young boy and his father, of what comes between them and what brings them together. 4+ years

Finding Francois by Gus Gordon 

A heartwarming story from award-winning author and illustrator Gud Gordon about loneliness, saying goodbye and the value of life-affirming friendships. Alice wishes she had someone her own size to talk to. Then one day her wish comes true. Through hope and change, love and loss, two little ones who need each other. 5+ years

Small Town by Phillip Gwynne and Tony Flowers 

Milly loves lives in a small town and loves laying basketball with her friends, but families keep leaving. When Milly learns at school about refugees who have nowhere to live, she has a great idea – invite them to the Gong Gong! A delightful and heartfelt picture book based on a true story of a dying town coming back to life. 4+ years

Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham 

When Ellie is very little, she finds a newborn dragon fresh from the egg on a supermarket shelf, and names him Scratch. They did everything together from that moment on. Ellie’s Dragon is a moving story about the wonders of imagination and the nature of growing up from one of Australia’s most revered bookmakers. 4+ years

Pirate Stew by Neil Gaiman 

Long John has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow. For two intrepid children, Long John is about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. With a deliciously rhyming text from Neil Gaiman and spellbinding illustrations by the talented Chris Redell, makes it a spectacular and magical gift. 3+ years