SHORTLISTED FOR CBCA BOOK OF THE YEAR: EARLY CHILDHOOD 2023
Bev is the tallest animal on the plains and Kev is one of the smallest. They’re an unlikely pair, but could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

A heart-warming tale about learning to love yourself and the value of a true friend.

Best Suited 6 – 9 Years

What do you know about wasps?

There are wasps that shimmer in shades of bright blue and green. There are some without wings — and some almost too tiny to see. Some capture spiders, while others nest in fruit or mud.

With over 12 000 species found in Australia, Wonderful Wasps brings the beauty and importance of native wasps to life, and reminds us every creature matters in its own wonderful way.

Tell ’em how us kids like to play.
We got bikes and give each other rides.
Tell ’em about the dancing and singing,
And all the stories the old people know.

In this book, written in conjunction with children from Manyallaluk School in the Roper River region in the NT, the voices of Indigenous children sing out across the land to tell us about their life in a remote community.

Best Suited 8-10 Years
A lyrical story about waiting for the rain to come to an isolated Aboriginal community. Tension in the community builds as the rain clouds thicken and grow dark. Everybody waits. When will the rain come?

Best Suited 1+ Years
Before you were born
and while you grew,
there was a party
just for you.

Created by talented duo Katrina Germein and Helène Magisson, this heartwarming picture book captures the excitement and anticipation of the arrival of a baby.

Best Suited 3+ Years
When a sunny day at the beach turns stormy, a little girl runs for cover. Her daddy and brothers are wild in the wind and lightning, and her poppy is as loud as thunder. They fill the house with stamping and crashing while Granny plays piano to their riotous thunderstorm dancing, until the storm passes and they all fall down. Then, in the stillness, the girl is ready to play. What will she be, now that the rain has stopped and there’s a glimmer of sunlight?

Best Suited 5-8 Years
Captain Dad and his crew are having a day at the beach, and of course Dad is bringing his treasure trove of jokes. Whether it’s a ship he bought on sail or an earring that costs one buccaneer, a day with Dad is shore to be hilarious! At least he seems to think so.