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.
Blossum Possum is the first alarmist to believe the sky is falling and she decides to tell the Prime Minister. There's danger and suspense along the way but each character oozes personality and attitude.
ages baby to 8 years
Age guide: 4 to 8
I bought a copy of this for my family and one for my nephew David – who was not at all dreadful, making it an especially funny book for our family.
Dreadful David is one busy little kid – he wreaks havoc at Granny’s house. She is stalwart in the face of all the trouble but slowly her smile begins to fade. The last straw comes when David hoses Granny – he’s already hosed the letter box, the kitten and more.
Granny, being of the old school variety, changes David, smacks his bottom and puts him to bed. David yells for a while but finally goes to sleep and Granny comes in and kissed him on the cheek.
Read MoreAge guide: 2 to 8 years & grown-up
With the friendliest looking boa constrictor ever greedily gobbling children on a nature walk with their teacher (it’s pink and green instead of the usual yellow and green or brown) – this is a joyful and funny book. It’s especially funny if you could possibly be one of the people the book is inscribed to: ‘all absent-minded parents and enthusiastic teachers’.
Which I imagine covers most adults at one time or another.
This is the story of a school nature walk gone horribly wrong, then most satisfyingly redeemed.
Read Moreages 2 to 8 years
This is a rollicking book—so much fun to read and so much fun to look at. The story is an adapted Danish folktale and the fabulous illustrations reflect that. It’s the story of Goodie, a plump and obviously happy woman, who is making sausages to store up for her family—she makes hundreds of them and has to hang them from every nook and cranny. Inevitably, funny happens!
Age guide: 2 to 6
Clearly another Charlie and Lola book! This is one based on text from the TV program - and although purists would draw the line at those books actually written initially by Lauren Child, this is still a fun book - fun to read, fun to look at and laugh about.
Lola decides that loosing a tooth is not so bad if the tooth fairy will bring you cash that you can exchange for a farm animal. It's typical Charlie and Lola faire - cute and charming - a sweet glance into the life of a funny little girl. It's a lovely book for children who are just a little older than Lola to read - if you have already lost your first tooth you can look back on those ever so slightly anxious days and giggle about Lola's reaction - knowing that all will be well.
Read Moregreat for all ages, baby to grown-up (it's a singalong)
I grew up singing the song that provides the words for this book—if you’re Australian you probably did too. My cousin Lauren would sit in a rocking chair on the verandah of her home on a cattle property in Central Queensland and look out over the paddock singing it. She was 3 at the time
Age guide: baby to young child
Dad reckons the trouble with dogs is that they take over your life. But really Dad is just as much in love with Rosie and Dave as the rest of the family.
Rosie and Dave were brought home from the animal shelter in Let's Get a Pup (also by Bob Graham). Since then Rosie has cemented her place on the couch but Dave just keeps getting wilder.
Read MoreA conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.
