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Books

We Feature Children’s Books Aligned with the Australian Curriculum

Browse our collection of thoughtfully selected children’s books that align with the Australian Curriculum across key learning areas: Science, Mathematics, Design and Technologies, English (Literacy and Literature), Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS), and Health and Physical Education. These books are perfect for junior primary students in Foundation (age 5), Year 1 (age 6), and Year 2 (age 7).

Explore a wide range of engaging topics, from the natural world and problem-solving to social understanding and emotional wellbeing. Each book supports deeper classroom discussion and helps bring curriculum content to life through stories that children love.

Ideal for educators, librarians and parents looking for curriculum-aligned picture books that inspire learning and curiosity.

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  • Shapes with Little Fish

    Written & illustrated by Lucy Cousins
    Published by Walker Books
    Theme/topic: Rhyme, Shapes,

    Shapes with Little Fish is a bright and engaging picture book that introduces young children to basic shapes through playful underwater adventures. The book helps early learners name, describe and trace shapes (AC9MFSP01, ACMMG009 – Foundation Year, Mathematics) through simple, rhythmic text (AC9EFLY09, ACELA1439 – Foundation Year, English), which also supports reading while fostering early geometric awareness. In addition, the cheerful character of Little Fish guides readers through a lively exploration of shape recognition in an accessible and interactive way.

  • The Colour Monster

    Written & illustrated by Anna Llenas
    Published by Templar
    Theme/topic: Emotion recognition,

    This delightful picture book helps young children understand and identify their emotions. The story follows a confused monster whose feelings are all mixed up, leading a young girl to guide him in sorting and recognising each emotion by associating them with specific colours.

    Through vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative, the book encourages children to explore their own feelings and develop emotional awareness. It supports children’s ability to recognise and describe how their body reacts to different emotions and situations (AC9HPFP03 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education).

    The Colour Monster is an excellent resource for parents and educators to initiate conversations about emotions and support children’s social and emotional development.

  • Strictly No Elephants

    Written by Lisa Mantchev
    Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
    Published by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
    Theme/topic: Friendship, Inclusion, Persistence,

    This heartwarming book talks about friendship, inclusion, and embracing differences. The book follows a young boy and his tiny pet elephant as they excitedly approach a pet club meeting, only to be turned away by a sign that reads “Strictly No Elephants.” Undeterred, the boy and his elephant set out to create their own inclusive club, welcoming all kinds of pets and friends.

    This uplifting story encourages children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). Through the experiences of the main character and his elephant, young readers can identify characters who have been excluded, explore the reasons behind their exclusion, and discuss how others could have acted more inclusively. The book’s gentle message, paired with its expressive illustrations, reinforces the value of belonging and the power of creating welcoming spaces for everyone. Strictly No Elephants is an inspiring read that fosters empathy, emotional intelligence, and social awareness in young readers.

  • Can I Play Too?

    Written & illustrated by Mo Willems
    Published by Hyperion Books for Children
    Theme/topic: Friendship, Inclusion, Persistence,

    Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems is a heartwarming and humorous story about friendship, inclusion, and problem-solving. When a new friend, Snake, wants to join Elephant and Piggie’s game of catch, the duo faces a challenge—how can someone without arms play? Through their creativity and determination, the friends work together to find a way for everyone to be included.

    This engaging story provides an opportunity for children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). Teachers and students can explore how characters experience exclusion, discuss why it happens, and consider ways to make activities more inclusive. With its simple yet expressive illustrations and playful dialogue, Can I Play Too? fosters inclusion, empathy, problem-solving, and cooperation, making it a valuable resource for early childhood social-emotional learning.

  • The Invisible Boy

    Written by Trudy Ludwig
    Illustrated by Patrice Barton
    Published by Rhus Children’s Books
    Theme/topic: Friendship, Inclusion,

    The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a touching story that highlights the importance of kindness, inclusion, and empathy. Brian, a quiet and overlooked boy, often feels invisible among his classmates—until a new student, Justin, arrives and helps him find his voice. Through expressive illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, the story encourages children to recognise the impact of their actions and words in making others feel valued.

    This book provides an opportunity for children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). By identifying characters who have been excluded, exploring the reasons behind their exclusion, and discussing how others could have been more inclusive, The Invisible Boy fosters discussions on empathy and belonging. A powerful resource for developing emotional intelligence, this story encourages young readers to build inclusive and compassionate relationships.

  • The Rainy Day

    Written by Anna Milbourne
    Illustrated by Sarah Gill
    Published by Usborne Picture Books
    Theme/topic: Vocabulary expansion, Weather impacts,

    The book explores weather patterns and the daily changes in the environment during a rainy day. As the characters observe the sky darkening, raindrops falling, and puddles forming, students are encouraged to describe daily changes in the environment and explore how these changes affect everyday life (ACSSU004 – Foundation Year; AC9S1U02 – Year 1, Science).

    Teachers can explore these suggested learning points with children: investigating how changes in the weather affect plants and animals, including humans; exploring how people make clothing choices using predictions of weather; and investigating how rain or clouds are formed.

    With engaging language and vivid imagery, The Rainy Day supports early scientific thinking by prompting discussions about the water cycle, seasonal changes, and the role of rain in nature. This book is an excellent resource for developing curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

  • Little Cloud

    Written & illustrated by Eric Carle
    Published by World of Eric Carle
    Theme/topic: Weather changes,

    Little Cloud by Eric Carle is a beautifully illustrated story that follows a small cloud as it drifts across the sky, changing into different shapes before joining other clouds to bring rain. The book encourages young readers to observe and explore daily changes in weather patterns through clouds and understand clouds are part of the water cycle (ACSSU004 – Foundation Year, Science; AC9S1U02 – Year 1, Science).

    Through Carle’s signature collage-style illustrations and simple yet engaging text, Little Cloud inspires children to use their imagination while learning about the natural world. The book also provides opportunities for discussions about how clouds form, change, and contribute to the environment, making it a wonderful resource for early science learning.

  • I Have Feelings

    Written by Jana Hunter
    Illustrated by Sue Porter
    Published by Mondo Pub
    Theme/topic: Emotion recognition, Emotional regulation,

    I Have Feelings by Jana Hunter is a sweet story that explores the wide range of emotions children experience. Through relatable scenarios and simple text, the book helps young readers recognise and understand their own feelings, such as happiness, sadness, and anger, and what triggers those feelings. This book serves as an excellent resource to support children in describing and express emotions they experience in an appropriate way (AC9HPFP03 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education).

    With its vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative, I Have Feelings encourages children to express their emotions in a healthy and constructive way. It provides a perfect opportunity to discuss emotional literacy, social skills, and respectful interactions with peers.

  • A Family Is a Family Is a Family

    Written by Sara O’Leary
    Illustrated by Qin Leng
    Published by Groundwood Books
    Theme/topic: Diversity, Family history, Identity, Recount,

    This heartwarming book celebrates diverse family structures and the love that binds them together. Through a classroom discussion, children share stories about their families, highlighting the uniqueness of each one while reinforcing the idea that all families are special.

    This book provides opportunities for young students to explore concepts of family by recognising and describing family members (AC9HSFK01 – Foundation Year, Humanities and Social Sciences). It also encourages children to develop a sense of self within their family (AC9HPFP01 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education) while practising personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others, particularly in understanding inclusion and acceptance (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education).

    With its gentle storytelling and wonderful illustrations, A Family is a Family is a Family fosters empathy, respect, and an appreciation for the many forms that family can take.

  • I See a Kookaburra!

    Written by Steve Jenkins
    Illustrated by Robin Page
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Children
    Theme/topic: External features, Habitats,

    I See a Kookaburra! by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page is an engaging exploration of animal habitats around the world. Through detailed illustrations and informative text, children are invited to observe and identify different animals in their natural environments, from the Australian bush to the desert and jungle around the world.

    This book supports young learners in recognising that living things have different external features and needs that help them survive (AC9SFU01 – Foundation Year, Science). It also encourages children to explore how different places provide the resources animals need to live and grow (AC9S1U01 – Year 1, Science).

    With its interactive “seek-and-find” style and rich factual content, I See a Kookaburra! fosters curiosity and a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems.

  • Here are My Hands

    Written by Bill Martin and John Archambault
    Illustrated by Ted Rand
    Published by Square Fish
    Theme/topic: External features,

    Here Are My Hands by Bill Martin and John Archambault is a rhythmic and engaging picture book that celebrates the different parts of the human body and their functions. Through simple, repetitive text and vibrant illustrations, young readers are encouraged to recognise their own external features and explore their purposes, such as hands for clapping, feet for running, and eyes for seeing (AC9SFU01 – Foundation Year, Science).

    This book fosters body awareness, supports early language development, and provides opportunities for interactive learning, making it a wonderful resource for exploring how our bodies help us engage with the world around us.

  • Plants Can’t Sit Still

    Written by Rebecca Hirsh
    Illustrated by Mia Posada
    Published by Millbrook Picture Books
    Theme/topic: Basic needs, External features, Vocabulary expansion,

    Plants Can’t Sit Still is a fascinating and poetic exploration of the many ways plants move, grow, and respond to their environment. Through engaging text and vivid illustrations, the book challenges the common perception that plants are motionless, showcasing how they creep, climb, curl, and reach toward the sun. It helps young readers observe and understand the external features of plants and how they help them survive (AC9SFU01 – Foundation Year, Science). The book also supports learning about how plants, like other living things, have basic needs, such as water, sunshine, and room to grow (AC9S1U01 – Year 1, Science). With its dynamic storytelling and rich scientific concepts, Plants Can’t Sit Still encourages curiosity about the natural world and inspires children to observe plants in action.

  • Mouse Count

    Written & illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh
    Published by HMH Books
    Theme/topic: Counting, Narrative,

    This charming story supports early maths and literacy development. As a hungry snake finds and counts ten mice one by one, children are invited to practise counting forward and backward, reinforcing the concept of matching quantities with numbers (AC9MFN01 – Foundation Year, Mathematics).

    The story has clear features of a narrative, which create opportunities for children to share ideas about events, such as the problem and its resolution, and the characters in the text (AC9EFLE02 – Foundation Year, English). Children can also retell the story through drawing, role-playing, or sequencing events, building their comprehension and creative expression (AC9EFLE05 – Foundation Year, English).

    With its simple text, bold illustrations, and engaging plot, Mouse Count is an ideal resource for integrating numeracy and literacy in early childhood learning.

  • One Duck Stuck

    Written by Phyllis Root
    Illustrated by Jane Chapman
    Published by CWP
    Theme/topic: Counting, Repetition, Rhyme,

    This picture book invites children to count along as various animals come to help a duck who’s stuck in the muck. The repetitive, rhyming text supports early literacy development by exposing children to rhymes and predictable sentence patterns (AC9EFLE04 – Foundation Year, English).

    At the same time, the book reinforces key mathematical concepts by encouraging children to recognise numerals, match quantities, and practise sequencing numbers up to ten (AC9MFN01 – Foundation Year, Mathematics). With its engaging rhythm, vibrant illustrations, and opportunities for counting and number sequence, One Duck Stuck is an excellent resource for developing both early language and numeracy skills in an enjoyable and memorable way.

  • Anno’s Counting Book

    Written & illustrated by Mitsumasa Anno
    Published by HarperCollins AU
    Theme/topic: Counting,

    Anno’s Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno is a beautifully illustrated and engaging book that introduces young children to the concept of numbers and counting. As the story unfolds, readers are invited to follow a journey through various landscapes, counting objects and animals along the way. This simple yet captivating narrative allows children to practise recognising numerals and matching them with corresponding quantities (AC9MFN01 – Foundation Year, Mathematics).

    The book’s enchanting illustrations and gentle pacing make it a perfect resource for young learners to develop early number sense, visualising quantities, and building a strong foundation for understanding numbers in a real-world context. By combining storytelling with mathematical concepts, Anno’s Counting Book encourages curiosity and exploration, fostering a love for both reading and maths.

  • In The Rockpool

    Written by Andrea Rowe
    Illustrated by Hannah Sommerville
    Published by Little Hare Books
    Theme/topic: Counting, Habitats, Ocean,

    The book invites young readers on a sensory exploration of the creatures and treasures found in coastal rockpools. The story encourages children to observe and describe the natural features of seaside habitats, including the plants and animals that live there, supporting understanding of animal needs and environments (AC9S1U01 – Year 1, Science).

    As children engage with the rhythmic text and detailed illustrations, they also practise early number skills, such as counting shells, crabs, and other seaside items, reinforcing concepts of matching quantities with numerals and naming numbers in sequence (AC9MFN01 – Foundation Year, Mathematics).

    This book is a rich cross-curricular resource, perfect for supporting science and maths learning through storytelling, observation, and wonder.

  • Afloat

    Written by Kirli Saunders
    Illustrated by Freya Blackwood
    Published by Little Hare Books
    Theme/topic: Culture, First Nations, Identity, Producing, Sustainability, Weaving,

    The book is a poetic and reflective story that gently explores connection to Country, identity, and community through the metaphor of water and weaving. Rooted in Aboriginal perspectives, the text provides a meaningful opportunity to learn about weaving as a cultural practice that strengthens identity and builds unity within community (AC9HP2P01 – Years 1 and 2, Health and Physical Education).

    The story also opens conversations around sustainability and traditional knowledge, showing how weaving products are crafted from native plants found in local environments (AC9TDE2K01, AC9TDE2K03 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies). By recognising the environmental sources and cultural significance of materials, Afloat supports an appreciation for First Nations practices and their role in caring for Country.

  • The Red Beast

    Written by K.i. Al-Ghani
    Illustrated by Haitham Al-Ghani
    Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers
    Theme/topic: Emotion recognition, Emotional regulation,

    This powerful story helps children understand and manage anger through the metaphor of a ‘red beast’ that awakens when feelings become overwhelming. The book offers a safe and engaging way for students to explore what anger looks and feels like in the body (AC9HPFP03 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education), using clear language to describe both the emotional and physical signs of big feelings.

    As the main character learns how to calm the red beast, readers are introduced to strategies for emotional regulation (AC9HP2P03 – Years 1 and 2, Health and Physical Education). The narrative also opens up conversations about how certain behaviours and language can cause hurt and harm to others (AC9HPFP02, AC9HP2P02 – Foundation to Year 2, Health and Physical Education). Through reflection and discussion, children are encouraged to build empathy and make respectful choices in how they express emotions.

    The Red Beast is an essential resource for supporting social-emotional learning in early years classrooms, offering practical tools to help children recognise, name, and regulate big emotions in themselves and others.

  • The Shouting Girl

    Written by Steven Huynh
    Illustrated by Gehenna Pham
    Published by Steven De GC
    Theme/topic: Emotion recognition, Emotional regulation, Inclusion, Recount, Rhyme, Vocabulary expansion,

    The story follows a young girl who struggles to express herself calmly, often shouting when she feels frustrated or unheard. Through her journey, she learns to recognise and understand her emotions (AC9HPFP03, AC9HP2P03 – Foundation to Year 2, Health and Physical Education) and works to develop positive strategies for expressing her thoughts and feelings in respectful ways (AC9HPFP02, AC9HP2P02 – Foundation to Year 2, Health and Physical Education).

    The story also encourages children to explore characters’ perspectives and emotional responses, fostering empathy (AC9HP2P01 – Health and Physical Education, Years 1 and 2). It helps them define safe and unsafe environments, such as calm corners, through interactions with friends in a classroom, establishing help-seeking strategies in such situations (AC9HP2P05 – Health and Physical Education, Years 1 and 2).

    With its poetic language and engaging illustrations, The Shouting Girl helps students understand how rhyme and rhythm create cohesion in a text. It also explores how words and images shape settings and characters, along with other literary features such as lists of three and similes.

  • Just Enough!

    Written & illustrated by Steven Huynh
    Published by Steven De GC
    Theme/topic: Basic needs, Health and Physical Education, Sustainability,

    The narrative encourages students to take only what is needed (ACPPS006, ACPPS022 – Foundation to Year 2 Health and Physical Education), reinforcing fairness in sharing resources like classroom materials. It also explores the negative consequences of overuse by addressing the basic needs of animals—food, water, and shelter (ACSSU002 – Foundation Year Science) —demonstrating how overuse impacts wildlife and habitats. Highlighting environmental changes caused by resource depletion (ACSSU019 – Year 1 Science), fostering the awareness of sustainability. With its rich themes of sharing and environmental stewardship, this story inspires young learners to adopt mindful, responsible habits in their daily lives.