Australian First Nations children’s nonfiction books

Always Was, Always Will Be

Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson

Always Was, Always Will Be takes a closer look at some of the iconic First Peoples protest movements of the last 200 years, celebrating the strength, wisdom, and bravery of…

In stock at 8 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 8 shops

Hardback

The Trees

Victor Steffensen, Sandra Steffensen (illus.)

Take a walk with Uncle Kuu in The Trees, a picture book about caring for Country and respect for Indigenous knowledge.

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops

Hardback

Our Country: Where History Happened

Mark Greenwood, Frané Lessac (illus.)

The second title in the Our Country series, celebrating and contextualising the richness of Australia's history, and where it happened.

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Paperback

When the World Was Soft

Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation, Alex Mankiewicz (illus.)

A ground-breaking graphic novel sharing the stories of Yindjibarndi Creation-times in an immediate and engaging way for a contemporary audience.

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Hardback

Country

Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson, Cheryl Davison (illus.)

Take a walk on Country. A delightful exploration of everything Country is.

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Hardback

This Book Thinks Ya Deadly!: A Celebration of Blak Excellence

Corey Tutt, Molly Hunt (illus.)

A cool gift book from the founder of DeadlyScience and author of The First Scientists.

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops

Paperback

Living on Stolen Land

Ambelin Kwaymullina

Living on Stolen Land is a prose-styled look at our colonial-settler ‘present’. This book is the first of its kind to address and educate a broad audience about the colonial…

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Hardback

Finding Our Heart

Thomas Mayo, Blak Douglas (illus.)

A young reader’s edition that follows Thomas Mayor’s bestselling book Finding the Heart of the Nation.

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Hardback

Somebody’s Land

Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, David Hardy (illus.)

An accessible picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the term ‘terra nullius’ to a general audience, from Australian of the Year, community leader and anti-racism…

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Hardback

Young Dark Emu: A Truer History

Bruce Pascoe

The highly-anticipated junior version of Bruce Pascoe’s multi award-winning book.

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Other book format

Songlines: First Knowledges for Younger Readers

Margo Neale, Lynne Kelly, Blak Douglas (illus.)

Learn about history, art, song, science and more in this engaging and inviting introduction to Indigenous traditional knowledges

In stock at 8 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 8 shops

Hardback

Bidhi Galing

Anita Heiss, Samantha Campbell (illus.)

Powerful and moving, Bidhi Galing (Big Rain) celebrates the Wiradyuri heroes of the Great Flood of Gundagai in 1852, told through the eyes of a young girl who is rescued…

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Hardback

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country

Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman, Cecelia Edwards, Cassandra Algy, Felicity Meakins, Briony Barr, Gregory Crocetti

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating, illustrated science book that takes kids inside the life of termites through storytelling from the Gurindji People.

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Hardback

Growing up Wiradjuri

Growing up Wiradjuri is a collection of personal stories by Wiradjuri Elders. The writers are Uncles and Aunties who came of age in New South Wales in the 1950s and…

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Hardback

Lessons from Our Ancestors

Raksha Dave, Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong (illus.)

Equality, Inclusivity and Sustainability across the Ancient World

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Hardback

Aussie Native Plants A-Z

Joey Farrell, Jocelyn Gibson (illus.)

Within these pages, you'll find out about a few of Australia's beautiful, interesting and useful native plants. They've grown and adapted over thousands of years to live harmoniously with Australia's…

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Paperback

The Wonder of Little Things (Young Readers Edition)

Vince Copley, Lea McInerney

A First Nations Elder shares his extraordinary story of finding kindness in the midst of prejudice, and joy in living life to the full.

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops

Hardback

Listen

Duncan Smith, Nicole Godwin, Jandamarra Cadd (illus.)

Listen. And you will hear the voices of Ancestors. Speaking to us. Guiding us. Leading us on the path to knowledge of culture, of Country. To reconciliation. Listen.

Listen encourages…

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Hardback

Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples

Isaiah Firebrace, Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Keisha Leon

The debut book from Isaiah Firebrace that introduces 20 things every child (and adult!) should know about First Nations cultures.

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops

Hardback

Albert Namatjira

Vincent Namatjira

Award-winning artist Vincent Namatjira tells the life story of his great-grandfather, Albert Namatjira, one of Australia’s most iconic artists.

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Hardback

The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples

Corey Tutt, Blak Douglas (illus.)

The first book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience for kids aged 7 to 12 years to develop a love of science and respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Hardback

Heroes, Rebels and Innovators: Inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from history

Karen Wyld

Be inspired and amazed by these incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander icons! With colourful artwork and evocative writing, this book tells stories every Australian should know.

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Paperback

Sorry Day

Coral Vass

There was a hum of excitement. Flags flickered in the breeze as Maggie’s heart danced with delight. ‘This is a very special day!’ her mother said.

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Hardback

Alfred’s War

Rachel Bin Salleh

Alfred’s War is a powerful story that unmasks the lack of recognition given to Australian Indigenous servicemen who returned from the WWI battlelines.

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Hardback

Shirley Purdie: My Story, Ngaginybe Jarragbe

Shirley Purdie

World-renowned Gija artist Shirley Purdie shares her artwork and life story in a stunning new children’s picture book.

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Hardback

Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge With Uncle Kuu

Victor Steffensen & Sandra Steffensen (illus.)

A young reader’s edition for 5 to 10 year olds, which follows Victor Steffensen’s bestselling book Fire Country

Available to order, ships in 10-14 daysAvailable to order

Hardback

Common Wealth

Gregg Dreise

A slam poetry persuasive and powerful vision of unity from award-winning First Nations creator Gregg Dreise. Passionate, yet peaceful, Common Wealth is a compelling plea for a future of truth…

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Hardback

Walking in Gagudju Country

Diane Lucas,Ben Tyler

Walk with us through one of the Top End’s magnificent monsoon forests, in Kakadu National Park, learning about the plants, animals and Kundjeyhmi culture along the way.

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Multiple copy pack

Aboriginal Symbol Cards

A beautiful set of 20 Aboriginal symbols cards. The easy way to increase cultural insight of children by teaching them some commonly recognised Aboriginal symbols.

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Paperback

Welcome to My Country

Laklak Burarrwanga,Family

Laklak Burarrwanga and family invite you to their Country, centred on a beautiful beach in Arnhem Land. Its crystal waters are full of fish, turtle, crab and stingray, to hunt…

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Paperback

Born to Run: My Story

Cathy Freeman

Hi guys,Ever since I was little I only had one dream - to win a gold medal at the Olympics. When I was twenty-seven years old, my dream came true…

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Paperback

Our Birds: Nilimurrungu Wayin Malanynha

Siena Stubbs

A delightful gift book of birds from around Yirrkala, which is Siena’s home in North-east Arnhem Land.

Available to order, ships in 5-9 daysAvailable to order

Paperback

Nganga: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Words and Phrases

Aunty Fay Muir,Sue Lawson

Aunty, Uncle, sorry business, deadly, women’s business, marngrook, dreamtime, Elders, songlines. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words have become part of our everyday vocabulary but we may not know their…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Hardback

The The Heartbeat of the Land

Cathy Freeman, Coral Vass & Tannya Harricks (illus.)

Cathy ran barefoot every day across the great ancient land, as her people had done for sixty thousand years before. And when she ran, she could hear the heartbeat of…

Available to order, ships in 10-14 daysAvailable to order

Hardback

Our Home, Our Heartbeat

Adam Briggs

Adapted from Briggs’ celebrated song ‘The Children Came Back’, Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its…

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Hardback

My Culture and Me

Gregg Dreise

Feel the rhythm of the music, from your heart down to your feet.Enjoy the movements of melodies, as clapsticks keep a strong beat. This is my culture. This is me…

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Hardback

Kunyi

Kunyi June Anne McInerney

These are my stories from a dry remote place, where growing up was very different for what children know today.

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Paperback

My Home Broome

Tamzyne Richardson

With a poem written by young Tamzyne Richardson as its centerpiece, My Home Broome captures the heart and soul of the multicultural town of Broome in Australia’s north west.

Available to order, ships in 5-9 daysAvailable to order

Paperback

The Shack That Dad Built

Elaine Russell

When Elaine Russell was five, her dad built the family a shack just outside the Aboriginal mission at La Perouse in Sydney. In this book, aimed at ages 4-8, she…

Available to order, ships in 10-14 daysAvailable to order

Hardback

Kulinmaya! Keep listening, everybody!

Mumu Mike Williams

A magnificent celebration of Kunmanara Williams’ life and art and the land rights movement in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands of Central Australia.

Available to order, ships in 3-5 daysAvailable to order

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Australian First Nations children’s nonfiction books

Always Was, Always Will Be

The Trees

Our Country: Where History Happened

When the World Was Soft

Country

This Book Thinks Ya Deadly!: A Celebration of Blak Excellence

Living on Stolen Land

Finding Our Heart

Somebody’s Land

Young Dark Emu: A Truer History

Songlines: First Knowledges for Younger Readers

Bidhi Galing

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country

Growing up Wiradjuri

Lessons from Our Ancestors

Aussie Native Plants A-Z

The Wonder of Little Things (Young Readers Edition)

Listen

Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples

Albert Namatjira

The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples

Heroes, Rebels and Innovators: Inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from history

Sorry Day

Alfred’s War

Shirley Purdie: My Story, Ngaginybe Jarragbe

Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge With Uncle Kuu

Common Wealth

Walking in Gagudju Country

Aboriginal Symbol Cards

Welcome to My Country

Born to Run: My Story

Our Birds: Nilimurrungu Wayin Malanynha

Nganga: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Words and Phrases

The The Heartbeat of the Land

Our Home, Our Heartbeat

My Culture and Me

Kunyi

My Home Broome

The Shack That Dad Built

Kulinmaya! Keep listening, everybody!