the joys of coming home from far away places, geographically or symbolically

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the joys of coming home from far away places, geographically or symbolically

ages 8 years to teen
For non-Australian readers: Along the Road to Gundagai is much-loved folk song written in 1922 and Gundagai is a small town a couple of hours inland from Canberra (Australia’s capital city). It’s a lovely memorable tune and in this book it’s given a whole new (and solemn) slant.

Here, it’s a young soldier musing on the words to the song and the completely beautiful illustrations show scenes from home and scenes of war.

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how ordinary people doing good things led to powerful, enduring wartime bonds

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how ordinary people doing good things led to powerful, enduring wartime bonds

ages 4 years to grownup

"They didn't even know us," said Adele. "But they died trying to help us."
Henri thought of his new soldier friends.

Do Not Forget Australia tells a true story through the eyes of a young, fictional French boy, Henri. His village, Villers-Breetonneux, was all but destroyed by the first ever tank battle between the British and the Germans. The Germans won, but Australian brigades followed the British and won the town (on 25 April, 1918 – Anzac Day). 

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a darned funny book that's great for upending stereotypes

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a darned funny book that's great for upending stereotypes

This might be a child’s first introduction to double entendre! There are three characters in the story – a mouse, a monkey and a jackass – guess where the double entendre comes from! Jackass and Monkey have a frustratingly funny conversation about a book with Jackass looking for its technological qualities.
ages baby to about 10 years

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My Place: the interweaving of lives through shared experiences on one patch of earth

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My Place: the interweaving of lives through shared experiences on one patch of earth

ages 4 to grownup
There is so much that connects the human experience through the passage of time. Here the power of place is powerfully illustrated through the lives of consecutive children living on one plot of land over 200 years. It's a beautifully diverse group of children who are amusing and relatable and individually fascinating.
 

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The Matchbox Diary: a warm and engaging story of keepsakes and family history

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The Matchbox Diary: a warm and engaging story of keepsakes and family history

ages 4 to 10 years
Set in USA—there was a time when matchboxes were ubiquitous, now there are probably children who will need the concept of a matchbox explained or shown to them. But once that’s done, I suspect many children will want to start their own matchbox diary – and adults too.
 

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Silent Night, Holy Night: ever wondered how this beautiful carol came to be?

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Silent Night, Holy Night: ever wondered how this beautiful carol came to be?

Truly, this is a lovely book. In a time of poverty and despair, two young men - a priest and a teacher - recognised the gift that comforting words could be and created a carol that would drift and echo through the ages.

ages 4 to 12 years

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The Librarian of Basra: the value of culture - and one woman's great courage

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The Librarian of Basra: the value of culture - and one woman's great courage

Set in Iraq. The true story of Alia Muhammad Baker - a middle aged Iraqi woman living in the town of Basra and working as a librarian. Alia knew that war was coming to Basra and she knew that war brings fire which would likely destroy the precious books. This is the remarkable and impressive story of her work to save them.
ages 4 years to grownup

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