Secondhand Australian Picture Book Bargain Book Box

This curated collection celebrates the rich storytelling and unique landscapes of Australia through twenty-one iconic picture books. Featuring legendary authors such as Mem Fox and Banjo Paterson, this box offers an immersive journey through the outback, the bush, and the coast. From the magical adventures of Hush and Grandma Poss to the rhythmic verses of classic bush ballads, these stories capture the heart of Australian identity and natural wonder. This assortment provides an excellent balance of contemporary Indigenous narratives and timeless favorites, making it a comprehensive library for families seeking to share the beauty of Australian culture and wildlife. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Joboy's Walkabout by Tom Beckers and Judy Prosser Set in the vast Kimberley region, this story follows a young boy named Joboy as he embarks on a journey across his ancestral lands. Through stunning, earthy illustrations, the book captures his deep connection to the country and the various animals he encounters along the way. It is a beautiful celebration of Indigenous culture and the traditional practice of a walkabout as a rite of passage.

2. My Country by Dorothea Mackellar and Andrew McLean This book brings the famous stanzas of Mackellar's iconic poem to life through sweeping, evocative illustrations of the Australian landscape. From sun-burnt plains to ragged mountain ranges, the artwork perfectly mirrors the lyrical love letter to a land of "droughts and flooding rains." It serves as a powerful introduction to Australian poetry and the diverse beauty of the continent's various environments.

3. The Hilton Hen House by Jo Hinchliffe and John Forrest Farmer Hilton decides to build the most luxurious hen house in the world, leading to a humorous and charming tale of rural ambition. The story follows the construction of the elaborate home and the reactions of the pampered poultry who move in. It is a lighthearted read that celebrates the quirks of farm life and the imaginative lengths a farmer will go for his flock.

4. Animals in the Bush by Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir and Jeannette Rowe This vibrant and educational book introduces young children to the unique creatures found in the Australian bush using bold, high-contrast illustrations. Written by a Boon Wurrung elder, it combines simple language with cultural knowledge to help children identify animals like the echidna and kangaroo. It is a perfect first nature book that fosters respect for local wildlife and Indigenous language.

5. Our Dreaming by Kirli Saunders and Dub Leffler A gentle and profound exploration of what "Dreaming" means to a young Gundaara child, told through lyrical prose and soft, atmospheric artwork. The story connects the child to their ancestors, the land, and the stars, explaining the spiritual foundations of Indigenous life. It is a moving meditation on identity and the enduring presence of culture in the modern world.

6. The Spirit of Sound by Hearing Australia and Davinder Hart Produced as a collaboration between Hearing Australia and Aboriginal artist Davinder Hart, this book tells a story about the importance of listening and sound. The narrative uses traditional art styles to explain how sound travels through the land and the significance of hearing in Indigenous communities. It serves as both a beautiful cultural story and a helpful resource for health awareness.

7. Emus Under the Bed by Leann J Edwards A whimsical and humorous tale that imagines what would happen if a group of mischievous emus decided to move into a family home. The story follows the chaos that ensues as the large birds attempt to hide in domestic spaces, leading to many funny visual scenarios. It is a fast-paced and entertaining read that captures the playful nature of one of Australia's most famous birds.

8. Koala Lou by Mem Fox and Pamela Lofts Koala Lou is a young koala who fears her mother no longer loves her as much as she used to, so she enters the Bush Olympics to win her attention. This classic story explores themes of sibling rivalry, self-worth, and the unconditional nature of a mother's love. Pamela Lofts’ soft, detailed illustrations bring the Australian bush and its furry inhabitants to life with great warmth.

9. Rocky and Louie by Phil Walleystack, Raewyn Caisley, and Dub Leffler This touching story centers on the bond between two brothers and the creative ways they stay connected to their culture and each other. When one brother has to move away, they use traditional art and storytelling to bridge the distance. It is a powerful narrative about family resilience, the strength of brotherhood, and the enduring power of Indigenous traditions.

10. The Man from Snowy River by Banjo Paterson and Freya Blackwood The legendary bush ballad of the mountain horsemen is reimagined here with stunning, atmospheric illustrations that capture the speed and peril of the ride. The story follows the "brave lad from the Snowy" as he pursues a runaway colt through the most dangerous terrain in the high country. It is a timeless piece of Australian folklore presented in a way that is accessible to younger readers.

11. Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan and Pamela Lofts A hungry dingo catches a fat wombat and decides to turn him into a stew, but the other bush animals have a clever plan to save their friend. One by one, they suggest adding ridiculous ingredients like "mud" and "flies" to make the stew "tastier," leading to a disgusting surprise for the dingo. This rhythmic, cumulative tale is a perennial favorite for its humor and catchy refrain.

12. Here Comes Puffing Billy! by Esta de Fossard and Lyn Stocks This nostalgic story celebrates the famous steam train that runs through the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. Readers follow Puffing Billy as he winds through fern gullies and over tall timber trestle bridges, carrying excited passengers on a historic journey. It is a wonderful tribute to Australia’s railway heritage and the enduring appeal of steam locomotion for children.

13. Harry and the Boss Kangaroo by Sarah Garland Harry finds himself in a series of adventures involving a particularly large and assertive kangaroo in the Australian outback. The story explores the interaction between humans and wildlife with a mix of humor and gentle tension as Harry learns to navigate the bush. The illustrations capture the vast, open feel of the interior, emphasizing the scale of the landscape and its inhabitants.

14. The Terrible Wild Grey Hairy Thing by Jean Chapman and Vicky Kitanov A mysterious and frightening creature is rumored to be lurking in the bush, causing much concern among the local animal community. As the story unfolds, the various animals describe the creature in increasingly dramatic terms, only to discover the surprising truth behind the legend. It is a clever story about fear of the unknown and the way rumors can grow out of proportion.

15. Boris: The Riverbank Artist by Bruce and Anne Riddell Boris the water rat is a talented artist who finds inspiration along the banks of his river home, painting the world around him. The story follows his creative process and his interactions with the other riverbank dwellers who admire his work. It is a charming and gentle tale that encourages children to appreciate the beauty in nature and their own creative talents.

16. Waltzing Matilda by Banjo Paterson and Freya Blackwood Australia’s unofficial national anthem is given a beautiful visual narrative that tells the story of the jolly swagman and his encounter with the law. The illustrations provide a rich, historical context for the song, depicting the life of a traveler in the colonial era. It is an essential cultural resource that helps children understand the lyrics and history of this famous ballad.

17. Emu by Claire Saxby and Graham Byrne This narrative non-fiction book follows a father emu as he protects his eggs and raises his chicks through the changing Australian seasons. The story combines factual information about emu behavior with a compelling narrative arc that highlights the challenges of survival in the wild. The striking, textured illustrations provide a close-up look at the majesty of these large, flightless birds.

18. Meet Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs An introduction to the whimsical world of the Gumnut Babies, two of the most iconic characters in Australian children's literature. Snugglepot and Cuddlepie explore the bush, meeting friends and avoiding the villainous Banksia Men in their classic adventure. The book maintains the timeless charm of May Gibbs’ original botanical-inspired illustrations and gentle storytelling style.

19. Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas Grandma Poss uses her bush magic to make young Hush invisible to keep her safe from predators, but eventually, they must find the "human food" to make her visible again. The pair embarks on a culinary tour of Australian cities, tasting everything from Vegemite sandwiches to Lamingtons. This beloved classic is celebrated for its unique illustrations and its promotion of Australian sights and flavors.

20. The Magic Hat by Mem Fox and Tricia Tusa A mysterious magic hat appears in a small town and begins turning the residents into various animals whenever it lands on their heads. The townspeople are transformed into toads, baboons, and more in a series of whimsical and unexpected changes. It is a playful, rhyming story that celebrates the joy of the unexpected and the transformative power of a little bit of magic.

21. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas A young boy living next to a nursing home befriends an elderly woman who has lost her memory and decides to help her find it. By collecting objects that represent different types of memories, Wilfrid helps his friend reconnect with her past in a deeply moving way. It is a beautiful and empathetic story about the special bond that can exist between the very young and the very old.