Children’s Book Reviews
In a world filled with children’s books, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to find those which reflect your family and your lives.
We have done some of the ground-work for you.
Here you will find books in which breastfeeding , babywearing and family beds are normalised. Books to help toddlers on the journey to weaning. Books for children with big feelings and books about living your best life, whatever that looks like. Families come in all shapes and sizes and here you will see them in all their diversity. We have found books showing children growing up around the world and books showing families navigating big changes.
We have stories which honour the land on which we live and the people who have lived here for tens of thousands of years - and those who have recently arrived. And we have books about the wonderful planet we share, the challenges it faces and the ways we can help. We have books about the beginning of life … and the end and all the stages in between. Books for babies about their world and books for teens as it changes around them.
We love exploring books for children and the adults raising them to share and to enjoy in quiet moments.
We hope you enjoy them too.
Beautiful Oops!
This interactive and playful picture book celebrates mistakes as opportunities for creativity. Torn paper becomes a crocodile’s mouth, a smudge turns into a sheep, and a spill blossoms into something new. Through flaps, folds, and imaginative transformations, Beautiful Oops! invites children to embrace imperfection and discover possibility in the unexpected.
Clive Is A Nurse
In this charming board book, Clive explores the role of a nurse through imaginative play with his diverse group of friends. He listens to heartbeats, cares for toy patients, and celebrates caring roles as something anyone can enjoy. The story promotes empathy, inclusivity, and respect for all kinds of work.
Cyclone
Set during the 1974 Cyclone Tracy disaster in Darwin, this evocative picture book tells the story of a family caught in the storm. With sparse, poetic language and haunting illustrations, it captures the terror, resilience, and eventual rebuilding of a community shaped by nature’s power.
Don’t Let Them Disappear
This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to twelve endangered animals from around the world—including elephants, tigers, whales, and pandas—sharing fun facts about each species and why they’re under threat. The final pages offer ways children can help protect these animals and their habitats.
Change Starts With Us
This vibrant and cheerful board book shows young children how their small actions can make a big difference in caring for the world. From picking up litter and turning off lights to being kind and sharing what we have, it delivers simple, empowering messages of sustainability and kindness.
Dress Like a Girl
This playful picture book turns the phrase “dress like a girl” on its head, showing girls dressed for adventure, creativity, and leadership—from lab coats to overalls, astronaut suits to sports gear. It’s a joyful celebration of girls being free to wear what suits their dreams, not stereotypes.
Embrace Your Body
Written by the founder of the Body Image Movement, this bright, rhyming book encourages children to love and appreciate their bodies just as they are. It celebrates all kinds of bodies—short, tall, round, strong, bendy, freckled—and the amazing things they can do.
Drought
This poignant picture book tells the story of an Australian family and community enduring the harsh, dry reality of drought. Through sparse, poetic language and powerful visuals, it captures the emotional and environmental toll of water scarcity—on animals, people, and the land itself.
Forest Baby
Forest Baby is a gentle, rhythmic celebration of a baby’s day in the forest—watching birds, touching moss, feeling the breeze, and listening to nature. With dreamy, layered illustrations and soft poetic language, the book captures the sensory experience of being outdoors with a baby.
Everything Changes Including Me
This gentle, reflective book explores the natural changes that happen within us—our moods, thoughts, bodies, and feelings—and reminds children that change is normal and part of being human. With soothing illustrations and affirming language, it encourages self-compassion and emotional awareness.
Flood
This evocative picture book tells the story of a devastating flood and the strength of a community as it prepares, survives, and rebuilds. With poetic text and expressive illustrations, Flood captures both the force of nature and the quiet heroism of everyday people in its aftermath.
Loving Comfort: A Toddler Weaning Story
This gentle picture book follows a toddler and parent as they gradually wean from breastfeeding. Told from the child’s perspective, it honours the comfort, closeness, and special memories of nursing while acknowledging that the time has come for change. The story is loving, slow-paced, and respectful.
My Daddy is Different
This heartfelt picture book tells the story of a child whose father is transgender. With simple language and warm illustrations, it explains that while some things may change on the outside, the love between a parent and child remains the same. The story affirms identity, family, and unconditional acceptance.
My Daddies
This joyful rhyming story follows a young child as they describe their two dads and the magical adventures they dream up together. Whether flying through space or exploring the jungle, the story highlights love, imagination, and the strength of a family built on connection.
My Country
Told through the voice of a young Aboriginal child, My Country is a lyrical tribute to the connection between people and land. It speaks of Country as something that lives and breathes with us—something to love, listen to, and care for. The poetic text is paired with vivid, dream-like illustrations.
Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet
This illustrated biography tells the story of Greta Thunberg, a young Swedish girl who began striking from school to protest climate inaction—and sparked a global movement. The book traces her journey from silent child to international activist, emphasising her courage, determination, and message of urgency.
My Little Gifts: A Book of Sharing
This vibrant and cheerful board book shows young children how their small actions can make a big difference in caring for the world. From picking up litter and turning off lights to being kind and sharing what we have, it delivers simple, empowering messages of sustainability and kindness.
Nursies When the Sun Shines: A Little Book on Night Weaning
This gentle, rhythmic book helps toddlers understand the process of night weaning. Told from the child’s point of view, it reassures them that while milk is for when the sun is shining, comfort and closeness are always available at night. The language is soothing and respectful, reinforcing security and love.
My Shadow Is Pink
This powerful rhyming story follows a young boy whose shadow is pink—unlike his father’s blue one. When the boy tries to hide his true self, he learns that embracing who you are takes courage—and that love can mean letting go of expectations. The story celebrates gender expression, identity, and unconditional acceptance.
Rosa Plays Ball
This simple, inclusive board book follows Rosa as she plays ball—kicking, throwing, and catching with friends and family. The text is minimal, allowing the images to speak to joyful participation and play, while also subtly challenging assumptions about gendered activities and who can be sporty.