Got a toddler who’s a little bit animal obsessed? Nurture their love and help them learn more about what it means to be Australian, with a few beautifully illustrated classic Australian books about native animals.
Educational Themes for Little Learners
Books about native Australian animals opens up conversations with your toddler around:
- Different species and their habitats
- Unique characteristics of Australian animals (marsupials, monotremes, etc)
- Literary themes in the books (Is she a good sharer? Is he a good friend?)
- Literary devices (rhyming, alliteration, etc)
- Belonging – Being part of Australia’s ecosystem, being a part of the environment
- Conservation and land care
Toddler Books about Aussie Animals
Sure, you’ve read Possum Magic. Possum Magic is the go to of classic Australian Children’s Literature these days. Wombat Stew, Blinky Bill… you’ve bought all the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie books – the all time classics. Next time you’re at the library, check out these modern classics:
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French and Bruce Watley
This is a fun, funny, silly toddler book where a wombat “trains” his humans. It touches on themes around curiosity and determination, as well as silly themes about animals.
The Little Red Ute Visits the Zoo by Mandy Frost
Stunning illustrations and easy-to-read-out-loud and introduces a wider variety of native animals.
Josephine Wants to Dance by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Follow your dreams! This beautiful book is the story of a kangaroo who loves ballet. Plenty of giggles and ideal for a little person who dreams of being a ballerina someday.
Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu – Series by Sheena Knowles and Rob Clements
Fun, funny and jam-packed with big beautiful illustrations and simplified text. Perhaps better suited for a younger todder, this series of books features simplifed language and themes around “finding your place in the world”. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to discuss problem-solving, setbacks, resilience, and being “uniquely you”.
Hello Gumnuts by May Gibbs
If you love the beautiful illustrations and the wholesome adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, but your toddler is on the younger site and needs a simpler option, Hello Gumnuts follows the the Gumnuts on an adventure through the bush, where they meet a variety of native animals. It explores themes of discovery and friendship, and features those stunning May Gibbs illustrations.
