Ten Aussie Childrens Authors Worth Checking Out

Reading is a fantastic way to shape your child’s view of the world. So why not give them some national pride by offering a variety of incredibly stories by some of our home grown talent. Australian literature is in a world of its own and many of our Aussie writers are famous across the continent for their fascinating stories, often bred rich in Australian history. So the next time you are stuck at story time, consider checking out your local library for some of these incredibly talented Aussie authors:

Mem Fox

You can’t go wrong with Mem Fox. She has written some of the best Aussie tales for kids from Possum Magic to Wombat Divine. Some of her other excellent titles include Sleepy Bears, Where is the Green Sheep, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes and The Magic Hat. She teams up with a wide variety of colourful illustrators including Kathryn Brown and Kerry Argent.

Alison Lester

With 25 picture books under her wing, Lester is definitely one to watch. Some of her titles include Clive Eats Alligators, The Journey Home and Are We There Yet? These books are a great way to introduce children to the world of travel and geography.

Ethyl Turner

Turner is no doubt the great grandma of children’s literature. Her iconic Aussie book, Seven Little Australians, has been circulating for over 100 years. And while it may be a little out-dated, it is still a classic and a great way to introduce your little ones to a little bit of Australian history.

Jackie French

Jackie French has written over 170 stories for children but the most popular series has to be Diary of a Wombat. This tale is not only purely Aussie, but also adorable. Check out other French classics such as Pete the Sheep and Too Many Pears. She has also written several books for older children as well as adult gardening guides; in fact, Jackie French really is a ‘Jackie’ of all trades (sorry couldn’t resist!)

Graeme Bass

Bass is most famous for his beautifully designed Anamalia which takes children into a world of amazing critters through the alphabet. His other books are equally beautiful and visually stimulating and include The Eleventh Hour and Uno’s Garden.

Pamela Allen

Pamela Allen’s stories are simple and creative which makes them perfect for eager little eyes and ears. And, okay, so she was born in New Zealand, she lived in Australia for several years so we have claimed her. Some of the titles to check out include Who Sank the Boat and Mr Magee.
 

Rod Clement

Who else could make a story about an Emu into a loveable classic but Rod Clement? And if you have already read the hilarious and adorable Edward the Emu, then check out Edwina the Emu or Olga the Brolga. They are equally as entertaining.
 

Margaret Wild

One of my kid’s favourites is a Margaret Wild classic Itsy Bitsy Babies. However, she has written several other excellent tales for kids including Lucy Goosey, Our Granny and Chatterbox and Pink Feather Boa.

Libby Gleeson

Shutting In the Chooks and Where’s Mum are two excellent places to start when checking out Libby Gleeson titles.

Bob Graham

Rounding out the list is the always funny Bob Graham. Some of the titles to look into include The Trouble With Dogs, Queenie the Bantam and Greetings from Sandy Beach.

Jenna Galley lives in Cairns, Queensland with her husband, two small children, Jacob and Jade, and dog Koah. She is a freelance writer and small business owner as well as an avid reader and wine drinker.