The Perfect Aussie Children’s Books to Help Third-Culture Kids Connect With Their Heritage
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When my first daughter was born, my best friends back in Melbourne — girls I’ve known for close to 30 years now (yes, I still consider us girls!) — started a wonderful tradition of sending me children’s books from back home. They’d arrive via Spanish post, slightly battered by the journey, but nonetheless a very welcome and comforting piece of home.
As my daughters grew older, I came to realise how invaluable these books were in connecting them with a people, culture, and history that meant (and still means) so much to me — one they would never get to experience in the same way I did.
I loved reading these books to them, not only because of the nostalgia they brought, but also because they helped my kids feel a sense of kinship with this faraway land that somehow formed a part of who they were.
So if you’re looking to keep your Third Culture Kids connected with Australia, here’s my list of our favourite Aussie children’s books, all of which get the thumbs up from my girls.
12 of Our Favourite Aussie Children’s Books
Little People, Big Dreams: Evonne Goolagong, by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vergara
“And this is how little Evonne became the most graceful player the world has ever met. A living legend who breaks barriers every time she hits the ball.”
The “Little People, Big Dreams” series is an absolute favourite in my household, and I was overjoyed when I discovered that the legendary Evonne Goolagong Cawley had been included. It describes her journey from a young girl growing up in New South Wales, who was inspired to start playing tennis after finding an old tennis ball under her father’s car, all the way to becoming a Wimbledon champion. It also touches upon the challenges Evonne faced as a young Indigenous girl in a predominantly white sport, offering valuable opportunities to discuss Australia's complex history, and the importance of resilience and equality.
Are we there yet? by Alison Lester
“We went snorkelling at Turquoise Bay. A gentle current carried us over the coral reef, as though the ocean was giving us a tour. There were so many fish, like sparking jewels. My favourites were the tiny blue angels.”
Based on author and illustrator Alison Lester’s real-life travels, this wonderful book takes kids on an adventure around Australia with 8-year-old Gracie, her family, and her Poppa’s camper trailer. It reads like a visual diary, introducing kids to different places and sights around Australia (and maybe even bringing back memories of trips you might have done as a kid!). With lush settings and anecdotes twinged with nostalgia, if there’s one book that’s going to inspire you to pack your whole family into a campervan on your next visit back to Oz, it’s this one!
We Know a Place by Maxine Beneba Clarke
“We know a place that’s mysterious-magic, a window to lives you can’t even imagine.”
The talented spoken word performer Maxine Beneba Clarke is both writer and illustrator of this whimsical book that’s an ode to book stores, and the magic they inspire in our imaginations. With vivid illustrations and cleverly-alliterated words that roll off the tongue (taking readers to “the bold little bookshop on Ballarat Street”), it’s a delightful read-aloud experience that will have both kids and parents enchanted by its rhythm and charm.
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French
“I’m a wombat. I live in Australia. As you can see from my picture, I look a little like a bear, but smaller.”
My kids have been obsessed with wombats ever since we stumbled across a wombat hole in Mount Macedon on our last visit to Australia. And they find the silly simplicity of “Diary of a Wombat” hilarious. It recounts the daily life of a wombat who spends her days sleeping and searching for carrots, and the havoc she inadvertently wreaks along the way. Brilliantly told from the perspective of the wombat, it’s perfect for younger kids who find humour in chaos (so any kid, really!).
We All Sleep by Ezekiel Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan
“Against pink skies kookaburra calls… over swaying reeds frog leaps…”
A beautifully soothing bedtime read, “We All Sleep” is created by the mother-son duo Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina, who are of Palyku heritage from the Pilbara region. With its breathtaking, Aboriginal-inspired illustrations of Australia’s landscapes and the native animals that call it home, this book offers young readers a peaceful journey through the country. It’s a wonderful introduction to the culture of the First Nations People, nurturing an early appreciation for both the land and its rich traditions.
Little People, Big Dreams: Steve Irwin, by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vergara
“He knew the only way to save wild animals was by getting people to love them. And he did so with his television shows! Equipped with a pair of khaki shorts and his catchy enthusiasm, he taught everyone how exciting and wonderful wildlife is.”
Another great book in this series, this one focuses on the life of the national treasure that is Steve Irwin. My kids were so touched by this book that after reading it, they immediately asked for me to put on his old videos on Youtube. It has everything — an inspirational story, beautiful illustrations, lessons about the importance of conservation and protecting the environment, and of course, animals. We all really loved this one — it’s a fantastic way of carrying Steve’s legacy on into the new generation.
Sunday Skating by Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville
“When the weekend settles, and Sunday rolls around, the streets lean in to listen. A click, a clatter, a whoosh, a whirl. Shoes laced, feet steady, wheels down low. Clancy’s friends are ready to roll.”
Remember those lazy summer Sundays where time stood still, friends gathered close, and skateboards whispered promises of adventure? This book is sure to take you back! From the creators of the much-loved “Jetty Jumping”, “Sunday Skating” is the next book in the series (you don’t need to have read the first one in order to enjoy this one). Clancy, unlike his seemingly fearless friends (who just happen to be four very kick-ass girls!), is a little more hesitant about jumping on his skateboard. But thankfully, his friends are there to give him a hand. It’s a story about overcoming your fears, and discovering how true friendship can help you stand tall, no matter how wobbly you feel.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Australian Friends by Eric Carle
“In the dusty outback where it’s hot and dry, who lives here under the open sky?”
My kids can quote the whole of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” from memory — it was a staple in our house, as it probably was in yours too! That’s why we loved it when the “Australian Friends” version came out. Great for younger kids who are sure to get a kick out of the lift-the-flap pages, this book introduces them to some colourful Australian wildlife in a fun and interactive way, with some memorable rhymes to keep them engaged. There’s also a special appearance by the Very Hungry Caterpillar himself, which will be a nice surprise for kids who are fans of the book.
Back on Country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
“Where we’re going is where your nanna comes from, where we come from. Our Country is special to us. You’ll see.”
In this moving book, anti-racism advocate, author, and former Australian rules footballer Adam Goodes takes us through the important Aboriginal tradition of going back on Country, a physical and spiritual journey that helps First Nations People reconnect with their culture. It’s a fascinating way for kids to learn about Adnyamathanha society, and even pick up a few words in the language. For Third Culture Kids raised outside of Australia, this book can help to explore an integral part of Australian history and culture, and open up meaningful conversations at home.
Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
“Grandma Poss made bush magic. She made wombats blue and kookaburras pink. She made dingoes smile and emus shrink.”
“Possum Magic” holds a special place in my heart — it was a book I remember reading as a kid, and the very first Aussie book I read to my own kids, so it’s no surprise it became an instant favorite. This timeless classic is a perfect introduction to the things we hold dear as Australians: the bush, native animals, and iconic Aussie dishes. But what truly makes it special is the heartwarming bond between Hush and Grandma Poss, sprinkled with just the right amount of magic. It’s the kind of story your kids will beg to hear again and again.
How to Move a Zoo by Kate Simpson and Owen Swan
“If the neighbours had known there was an elephant on their street, there’d have been children hanging out of every window. But Jessie was silent on her soft feet. She didn’t wake them.”
“How to Move a Zoo” tells the incredible true story of Jessie the elephant, who, in 1916, made the journey from the old Zoological Gardens at Moore Park to the newly-built Taronga Zoo on foot. If you’re fascinated by history, you’ll love the illustrations of a post-Edwardian era Sydney, and kids will gripped by the tale of just exactly how Jessie manages to cross the harbour at a time when the Harbour Bridge didn’t yet exist. It’s a very special book that invites readers to step back in time and witness a remarkable moment in Sydney’s history.
Little People, Big Dreams: Kylie Minogue, by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vergara
“With every new song, Kylie made pop music fresh again. She experimented with awesome sounds, stunning looks and spectacular music videos.”
Before reading this book, my kids knew Kylie Minogue as “the girl who sings Padam Padam”. Now, they have a much wider appreciation for Kylie as a person, artist, and all-round Aussie icon. From her days as a shy child growing up in Melbourne, to her rise to fame on Neighbours, and her evolution into a global pop sensation, her story is a lesson in perseverance, dedication, and in having the confidence to find your voice.
Final thoughts
For me and my girls, each of these books holds a special place in our hearts, and have helped to keep my girls connected to Australia while growing up abroad. If you can get your hands on them, I highly recommend them — and I hope they help to spark conversations, laughter, and a love for Aussie culture in your home, as they have for us.
