Down Under Wonders!

Here in the United States, we can be a little Northern Hemisphere-centric, so to speak. Winter is in December, January and February; summer is about six months later; and while we know what koalas and kangaroos look like, they probably don’t occupy much of our minds.

As someone who has loved Aussie culture for many years, after an adventure from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia, in the late ‘90s, I can tell you that it’s worth flipping the globe and doing some reading down under!

Here are my picks to start reading Australia – without the 22-hour flight!

Best Australia Books for Babies

“Over In Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under” by Marianne Berkes

You’ll find this counting book on our Hoopla digital service, so you can either read to your child on your phone or electronic device; but either way, it’s fun to learn more about baby animals in Australia while introducing them to basic math.

“A Is for Australian Reefs” by Franae Lessac

This gorgeous alphabet book is a perfect introduction to Australian sea life in particular – and a great book to introduce to your little before visiting the Oklahoma Aquarium. (There’s a “Spot the Fish” feature that makes this book perfect for re-reading.)

For Chapter Book Readers or Adventure Read-Alouds

“The Plunder Down Under” by James Patterson

Listen. James Patterson is not Australian, but he does know how to write fast-paced stories that captivate audiences of all ages, and this one hits all of the adventure buttons PLUS gives a terrific introduction to Australian culture and landscapes.

“Countdown to Yesterday” by Shirely Marr

Modern-day Australia is the setting for Shirley Marr’s mind-bending tales, but time travel is at the core of her latest, in which a boy attempts to go back in time to prevent his parents’ divorce. You’ll pick up on lots of interesting Australian cultural bits and bobs (like that their summer is our winter) that deepen and expand your knowledge and appreciation of the story.

“Surviving the Wild: Rainbow the Koala” by Remy Lai

The “Surviving the Wild” graphic novel series for young readers takes the viewpoint of various animals in the wild and follows their journeys to staying alive.

Nonfiction Wonders

“Koala” by Claire Saxby

Everything you ever wanted to know about this quintessential Australian animal. Beautiful illustrations support the content knowledge provided – pair this fact-based book with the “Rainbow the Koala” graphic novel.

“Life and Culture in Australia” by J. M. Klein and “Living In…Australia” by Chloe Perkins

These works give two sides to Australia – one more traditionally fact-based, the other with some personal details for children. Both are excellent introductions to this country and are terrific to read before reading some of the fiction selections in order to build background knowledge.

Travel-topia!

If, after all of this Australia-focused reading, your family becomes super-interested in actually traveling down under, check out the travel section at your branch library. Travel guides to Australia can be found in the nonfiction section under the Dewey category of 919s. Can’t find it? Just ask a friendly librarian or library staff to show you, and get ready to learn even more about this magical land down under!