The Smart Cookie (Food Group Series, Book #5)
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Potential Year Level: Foundation/Prep/Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4
Summary:
The fifth book in the Food Group series, The Smart Cookie tells the tale of a cookie who is shy, and doesn't feel very smart at all compared to the other baked goods in the bakery. Can a little bravery, and creativity help her on her way to discovering her niche?
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Attitudes & Traits, Confidence, Creativity, Determination, Emotions, Identity, Imagination, Perseverance, Self-Esteem
The Rock From the Sky
Author: Jon Klassen
Illustrator:
Potential Year Level: Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Summary:
Turtle likes standing in his favourite spot. He likes it so much that he asks his best friend, Armadillo, to come stand there with him. But Armadillo has a bad feeling about this spot, and can't quite put his finger on why...
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Friendship, Relationships
The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art
Author: Cynthia Levinson
Illustrator: Evan Turk
Potential Year Level: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Summary:
This true story is about Ben, an observant child who draws everything he sees. After his father was banished in his home country of Lithuania for fighting for human rights, Ben also developed a passion for justice. Ben combines both of these passions together to fight for what is right in the best way he knows how in his new country.
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Attitudes & Traits, Courage, Creativity, Determination, Government, Human Rights, Identity, Immigration & Migration, Resilience, Social Issues, The Arts, Uncategorized, Visual Arts
Eyes That Kiss at the Corners
Author: Joanna Ho
Illustrator: Dung Ho
Potential Year Level: Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Summary:
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from the children around her. They have big, round eyes with long lashes. She has eyes that look like her mother's and her grandmother's - they have eyes that kiss in the corners.
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Diversity, Emotions, Identity, Love, Self-Esteem
Great White Shark
Author: Claire Saxby
Illustrator: Cindy Lane
Potential Year Level: Foundation/Prep/Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Summary:
A beautiful narrative nonfiction that explores the life of the unique and fascinating Australian animal, the Great White Shark.
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Animals, Environment & Sustainability, Flora & Fauna
Bear and Rat
Author: Christopher Cheng
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Potential Year Level: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Summary:
When author, Christopher Cheng's wife was diagnosed with cancer, he needed some form of understanding, some way of comprehending the journey his wife and he was about to embark on together. Enter, Bear and Rat, two best friends who do everything together - a powerful book about a loving friendship, even through the toughest of times.
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Best Friends, Emotions, Empathy, Friendship, Grief, Grieving & Death, Health, Identity, Love, Mental Health, Relationships, Sadness
You Matter
Author: Christian Robinson
Illustrator:
Potential Year Level: Early Childhood, Foundation/Prep/Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Summary:
A book that reminds kids that they matter whether they're big or small, first or last, non-disabled or disabled, old or young, no matter how others see them or they see themselves.
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Attitudes & Traits, Culture & Religion, Disability & Neurodiversity, Diversity, Identity, Open-Minded
The Boy and the Sea
Author: Camille Andros
Illustrator: June Bates
Potential Year Level: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4
Summary:
Follow one boy through his life as he returns time and again to the seaside beside his home. At the time, he thinks he can hear the sea whisper to him: Dream. Love. Be. And so he does.
Topics, Themes & Concepts:
Attitudes & Traits, Curiosity, Family, Identity, Inquisitive, Relationships