BabysittersNow

Ten Great Australian Bedtime Books for Kids

Reading was a huge part of my childhood and an essential bedtime ritual; there’s something special about getting lost in your imagination. It is a gift to be able to share this with a new generation of kids, so here’s 12 of my favourites.


1. Possum Magic, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Julie Vivas

Possum Magic is the story of a pair of possums as they embark on a journey to reverse the spell Grandma Possum put on Hush to keep her safe. It’s charming, often quirky illustrations show off Australia and its wildlife. This was a staple when I was little, and it’s just as heart-warming today.


2. Are We There Yet?, Written and Illustrated by Alison Lester

This book takes on a scrapbook style recount of Grace’s caravan trip around Australia, flaunting the county’s most famous places. With tender moments, laughs, and a healthy dose of adventure, Are We There Yet? ignited my love of travel. It’s highly engaging and offers some good material to dream about, always important in bedtime stories!


3. The Giant and the Sea, Written by Trent Jamieson, Illustrated by Rovina Cai

This is a story follows a young girl trying to spread the message given to her by the Giant about the rising seas. At its core, this story is about being brave and the need to take action, about recognising that climate change issues can be scary, and most importantly, that there is always hope. The illustrations are stunningly whimsical.




4. Pig the Pug, Written and Illustrated by Aaron Blabey

Pig is something of a manifestation of the grimy, greedy, couch potato within us all. This book follows him as he learns that there is more to life than sitting around with lots of material things. The writing is playful and clever and the illustrations are highly entertaining. Who doesn’t love a story about dogs?


5. One little goat, Written by Ursula Dubosarsky, Illustrated by Andrew Joyner

This story is such fun! A classic ‘chain tale’ beginning and ending with a goat but filled with all manner of shenanigans in between. Even the illustrations are chock full of things to see! It is based on traditional Jewish children’s song as Ursula passes on her love of language and culture through the book. It’s some great, light reading.


6. Wombat Stew, Written by Marcia Vaughan, Illustrated by Pamela Lofts

It’s “gooey”, it’s “brewy”, it’s “yummy” and it’s “chewy”… It must be said, this book is a delight! It follows Dingo as he ventures into the culinary world to make wombat stew. The illustrations are an absolute joy and is quintessentially Australian, its scenes familiar to many of us. However, this book is not useful as a cookbook, as the wombat does not end up in the stew.




7. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Julie Vivas

Another Mem Fox, but I couldn’t resist! This book is absolutely darling. Its protagonist is a young boy who lives next to a retirement home and is friends with the residents there. When he learns that his best friend there has lost her memory, he sets out to help her find it. This book is a touching reminder of how beautiful life is, encouraging us all to notice the little things. It’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.


8. Where the Forest Meets the Sea, Written and Illustrated by Jeannie Baker

Illustrated with visually rich collage, it follows a little boy on a trip to a rainforest that seems untouched by time as he reflects on the way places change. There is so much to see in this book and so much to think about, it is bound to set the imagination alight before bed (in a good way!).



9. Coral Sea Dreaming, Written and Illustrated by Kim Toft

Written by artist and environmental advocate Kim Michelle Toft, this book gives us a glimpse into the wonderful world below the waves at night. Hand painting silk screens, she brings to life the creatures of the marine world in stunning colours. It is at once picturesque and educational.


10. We All Sleep, Written by Ezekiel Kwaymullina, Illustrated by Sally Morgan

This is a beautifully illustrated story told through a litany of Australian animals about how while we’re all different, we all have things in common – like sleep! The illustrations are vibrantly coloured and incorporates symbols from Indigenous artwork. It’s a perfect choice for right before bed!


What are you waiting for? Get reading!