Engaging and inspiring: 10 books from Indigenous creators for kids of all ages

Here are some wonderful books from Indigenous creators to share with kids of all ages. From concept books for little ones to novels about growing up to real-life stories (just to name a few), there are plenty of options for curious minds to explore and dive into.

Picture Books

Helping Little Star by Blaze Jake Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan

When Little Star falls off the edge of Night Sky, he meets Python, Dingo, and Kangaroo. Will his new friends be able to help him get home? Combining Blake’s love for writing children’s books and hearing kids’ opinions of books, and Sally’s love for animals and passion for the Australian bush, we get this vivid and impactful picture book. Ages 3+

Possum and Wattle: My Big Book of Australian Words by Bronwyn Bancroft

More than one hundred words about Australian animals, plants, and landscapes are defined and explained in this unique word book. Bronwyn writes an eye-opening vocabulary book featuring words taken from Australia’s inspiring natural environment – with a glossary of Aboriginal terms. Lavish illustrations range from small vignettes to expansive narrative landscapes that captivate and celebrate the uniqueness of Australia and its language. Ages 4+

Warnayarra: The Rainbow Snake by Lajamanu School and Pamela Lofts

This story is based on a story told by the Senior Boys Class at Lajamanu School, a bi-lingual school where Aboriginal children are taught to read and write their own language, Warlpiri. The illustrations are adapted from original paintings done by the children for their story. Ages 4+

A is for Aunty by Elaine Russell

This is more than just an alphabet book. This title uses the letters A-Z as a framework to tell young readers about growing up on a mission in northern NSW. It’s a first alphabet book with an Aboriginal theme and describes daily routines and incidents in and around the mission – including billycart racing and yabby fishing. Ages 5+

Shake a Leg by Boori Pryor and Jan Ormerod

When three young boys go to a pizza parlour and meet an Aboriginal chef who can speak Italian and make a deadly pizza, they’re in for a surprise. Boori Pryor is a storyteller, dancer, writer, and educator and Jan is an internationally acclaimed picture-book author and illustrator. This is the first book they’ve cooked up together. From pizza shop to bora ground, here is a joyous celebration of food, dance, and cultural understanding. Ages 6+

Chapter books

Ngiya Yintanga Japarrika by Tiwi College Alalinguwi Jarrakarlinga, Shelley Ware, and David Lawrence

Kay-Bell longs to play in the AFLW, though her aunty-turned-flatmate and homesickness get in the way of chasing her football dream. Enlisting the help of her brother and two best friends, Kay-Bell goes on a journey of overcoming self-doubt and everything that stands in the way of her kicking goals, both personally and professionally. Ages 7+

My Girragundji by Boori Pryor and Meme McDonald

The story of an Aboriginal boy whose house is invaded by a Hairyman – a spirit the old people call a Quinkin. When a little green tree frog lands on his windowsill, he knows she has been sent by the ancestors to help him face his fears. Alive with humour, My Girragundji is the vivid story of a boy growing up between two worlds. Ages 8+

Stories for Simon by Lisa Miranda Sarzin and Lauren Briggs

The door to the National Apology to the Stolen Generations is unlocked when Simon unwraps a beautiful boomerang wrapped in an old newspaper. Stories for Simon helps its main character, and readers alike, to learn how saying ‘sorry’ can help through a marvellous collection of stories and flourishing friendships. This is an inspiring story of acknowledging and appreciating the past to help create a positive vision for the future. Ages 8+

Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe

Bruce Pascoe’s compelling story allows young readers to see Australia as it was before Europeans arrived—a land of cultivated farming areas, productive fisheries, permanent homes, and an understanding of the environment and its natural resources that supported thriving villages across the continent. Though the accounts of early European explorers, colonists, and farmers, Young Dark Emu offers readers the chance to picture an alternate version of Australia’s history pre-European colonisation. Ages 10+

Two Hands Together by Diana Kidd

New-kid-on-the-block Ella Riley quickly becomes best friends with her neighbour Lily. But Lily can’t understand why her Dad is being mean to the Riley’s and doesn’t want her to visit her nor interact with her new friend. Two Hands Together is a moving tale about two friends manoeuvring stereotypes and accepting people for who they are. Ages 11+