Teach them young: 8 picture books to learn about the world

From the moment children enter the world, they are bursting with inquisition! Their young years are crucial for their development, shaping what they learn and how that forms their future personality.

Here are 8 books for little ones to learn all about the world, and the importance of being kind and good to one another.

Will You Be My Friend? by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram

From the iconic author and illustrator duo Sam McBratney and Anita Jersam comes this delightful tale that celebrates the playful curiosity of little ones. Learn about the magic of making new friends through the Little Nutbrown Hare who’s gone exploring on his own, and meets surprising new friends along the way. 3+ years

Grug and the Bushfire by Ted Prior 

It had not rained for a long time and the grass around Grug’s house was very dry and brown. One very, very hot day Grug noticed a cloud of smoke in the distance. Grug is back from the bush to remind us of the importance of looking after each other and our Australian wilderness. A very special book for early readers and parents alike. 5+ years

Bear in Space by Deborah Abela and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall 

Bear has plans to change the world, one space adventure at a time. A richly imagined story that celebrates difference, self-belief and the way friendship and acceptance can empower someone to build a better world. Through Marjorie’s vivid illustrations and Deborah’s storytelling, you can envisage the empowering message. 3+ years

A Crocodile in the Family by Kitty Black and Daron Parton 

A family of birds take home an egg and, even though the crocodile that hatches from it doesn’t look or act like the rest of the family, he belongs. Kitty Black’s charming picture book is filled with colourful illustrations by Daron Parton. Little ones will experience a whole lot of heart about family in all its shapes and sizes. 3+ years

Lights Out, Leonard by Josh Pyke and Chris Nixon

From award-winning Australian singer-songwriter Josh Pyke comes this cheeky story about night-time fears. Leonard doesn’t like bedtime, especially when there’s a five-nosed, seven-tailed, eleven-handed, scaly-waily monster hiding in the corner of his bedroom. It seems like Leonard will never sleep again … until he discovers a mysterious book called How to Frighten Monsters. 3+ years

Oi Aardvark! by Kes Gray and Jim Field 

Armadillos sit on pillows, bunnies sit on honey and cheetahs sit on fajitas. Let Frog, Dog and Cat guide you through the alphabet from Aardvark to Zebra in this hilarious new picture book. It features a special fold-out surprise that little ones are sure to love!

We Love You, Magoo by Briony Stewart 

Magoo has his own ideas about what a dog should do – in the kitchen, in the car, at dinnertime and bedtime. But there are so many rules! We Love You, Magoo is a perfect read-aloud picture book that captures Magoo’s energy and emotion in every line. This book is a classic in the making – joyous and playful, this will be read again and again.

Grug has a Birthday by Ted Prior 

No one knows how old Grug is – not even Grug himself – but he decides to have a birthday party anyway. Birthdays should be filled with cake and fun and Grug – and Grug has a Birthday is the perfect combination of all three. Through refreshing and vibrant illustrations, this classic Aussie hero is back from the bush to enchant a new generation of youngsters!