10 books for children about Australia
Australia is a fascinating place for kids. From the dangerous animals to the wild expanses of desert and the prospect of ‘going walkabout’, there’s plenty of things to write about. Here are our recommendations for 10 books set in Australia.
Aimed at children aged 6-11 and desperate to learn more about Australia.
Birrung the Secret Friend, Jackie French
(8+ years)
A fascinating book set in 1790 about a friendship between an Aboriginal girl and 2 European children which has to stay a secret…
2. Misery Guts, Morris Gleitzman
(8-12 years)
About a young boy who convinced his parents to move to Australia in order to cheer them up. It doesn’t all go to plan however…
3. Toad Rage, Morris Gleitzman
(8-12 years)
Limpy the Cane Toad wants to change humans’ opinion of his species. He sets of on a dangerous and hilarious adventure to change minds…
4. The 13 Storey Treehouse, Andy Griffiths
(6-10 years)
Andy and Terry are trying to finish writing a book, but can’t help but get distracted by the house they live in. It has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of man-eating sharks, a secret underground laboratory and more. Great for reluctant readers.
5. Audrey of the Outback, Christine Harris
(7-9 years)
Audrey lives isolated in the Outback. Her dad is a dingo trapper, which means he has to go away for long stretches. In the meantime Audrey tries out being a teacher, a swaggie (swagmen are men who travel through the bush carrying everything they need) and various other roles…
6. Taj and the Great Camel Trek, Roseanne Hawke
(9-13 years)
This book tells the story of Ernest Giles’ journey across the desert to Perth, but through the eyes of a 12 year old Afghan boy accompanying his father. It’s a story about the desert and about the interactions between the English explorers, Afghan camel-herders and a young Aboriginal tracker…
7. Goblin in the Bush, Victor Kelleher
(7-9 years old)
Gibblewort the Goblin decides to mail himself to Australia for a little holiday. But everything goes wrong, no matter where he goes…
8. Midnite, Randolph Stow
(9+ years old)
Young Midnite starts work as a bushranger (a criminal or thief who lived in the bush), but only succeeds thanks to his 5 animal friends, as he himself is not so clever…
9. Walkabout, James Vance Marshall
(9-11 years old)
A slightly older read, this book tells the story of 2 European children who are stranded in the Australian desert and forced to walk back to civilisation. They are helped by an Aboriginal Australian boy who guides them and teaches them how to survive in the bush.
While brilliant, this book contains a character death and is best suited to mature readers.
10. The Muddle-Headed Wombat, Ruth Park
(6-11 years old)
Follows the adventure of Wombat and his friends, the ever-practical Mouse and vain Tabby. Wombat often muddles his words and makes mistakes, like calling Cinderella “Cindergorilla” - a very popular Aussie read for kids.