WTBA is a collection of and conversation about powerful books that strengthen, elevate, inspire and help to grow powerful, resilient kids. We're a book oriented guide for parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles and anyone involved in nurturing children and caring for friends.
Connections—momentary or spread over a lifetime—change the world. Here are 5 favourite books that help to provide a foundation for children so that, when the moment arrives, they will be ready to make a connection.
A parent's fondest wishes charmingly expressed with Alison Lester's classic illustrations - a perfect new born or baby gift (for the parents or the baby).
ages newborn to grown-up / Australia, heartwarmers
ages 8 years to grownup
Based on a true story, Lone Pine tells of a young soldier who is at Lone Pine with his brother while yet another brother is also at war elsewhere. The young soldier survives, but his brother doesn’t.
This is tough stuff. It’s poignantly told and is full of sadness. But out of the sadness there is also hope and love. The soldier sends a pine cone from Lone Pine to his mother. She treasures it of course and puts it away where it lies "not quite remembered, not quite forgotten." [The story is set in Australia and Turkey]
Read Moreages 5 years to grownup
Set in Australia. There’s something special about Anzac Day—the cool early morning spent standing with a crowd at the Dawn Service, family breakfasts, and of course Anzac Biscuits to nibble on all day.
And the sense of privilege and peace that comes with living in a free and protected country.
As is true of all war stories, Anzac Biscuits is pretty horrific, but a story that must be told: to remember history, to notice everyday blessings and to understand sacrifice. It does a particularly lovely job of the noticing everyday blessings and understanding sacrifice parts.
Read More‘Tight times’ is the reason the serious little fellow telling this story can’t get a dog. But in spite of the obvious troubles, this is an affirming, reassuring and peaceful book, with a dose of humour thrown in for good measure – as it always should be. (He does get a cat, who turns out to be a great 'dog'!)
ages about 4 to 12 years and grownups
ages 4 years to grownups
A charming and incredibly pretty book about a woman who commits as a child to go to faraway places, live beside the sea and do something to make the world more beautiful. It's loved and used a lot by teachers, with good reason. It does a lot of work!
I'm pretty sure the reason I read this book so many times had nothing to do with the funny story, the cute illustrations or the healthy body image messages. And I’m pretty sure my kids found it totally hilarious that I kept reading the word ‘bum’ out loud. This is a FUNNY book.
ages baby to 12 years
A conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.
