Books have the power to foster creativity and imagination. Here is our selection of books about Oceania capturing the experience of life down under and its neighboring countries.
Are We There Yet?
This is a lovely book by children's author Alison Lester. After being around Australia with my daughter, she still enjoys revisiting it through this lovely book. The book is narrated by eight -year -old grace. She travels all around Australia with her family in a camper for three months. She chronicles the trip in the form of a journal with diagrams and observations about the places she visited with her family.
New Zealand ABC's
It is a fun book for both adults and kids. Each letter covers some basic facts about New Zealand's history and culture. It is illustrated and gives a glimpse into New Zealand culture, present, and past, including the different customs of the Maori culture.
My Ocean Home Fiji
An illustrated book about a little boy Tui and his adventures in his native land of Fiji. You will follow him in his ocean home and learn about life and tradition in Fiji.
Hello Mama Wallaroo
It is an illustrated non-fiction book about Wallaroo and Australian marsupial similar to a kangaroo. It is a great read-aloud for ages 2-6 about the Wallaroo, a marsupial similar to a kangaroo. Did you know that there are more than 40 different kinds of Kangaroo like animals in Australia? This cute book in A Q&A format offers a good introduction for younger readers to Wallaroo, this marsupial similar to Kangaroo with big ears and feet and only 3 feet tall.
Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas
It’s a delightful true story about Elizabeth, the elephant seal that preferred to live in the Avon river near Christchurch, New Zealand, than the sea, the typical habitat for her species. Grab your copy to learn more.
D is for down under
It is a cute elementary kid book about Australia, great for ages 4-10. In the book, each letter has an Australian fact attached to it. Have you ever fly with Qantas? Well, you will learn about it and other tidbits in this interesting introduction to Aussie’s land.
Tasi & Matina
It is a friendship story between a little girl named Matina and a fish Tasi and how he got his white stripes and became the first clownfish. It is based on Guam culture.
A Kiwi Year
It is a cute book if you are thinking about visiting New Zealand and would like the kids to have a brief introduction to New Zealand before your trip. It is also illustrated. It is one of the books I read with my kid before our trip to New Zealand as she was curious about the daily life of kids in New Zealand, their holidays, and cultural traditions.
The Diary of a Wombat
A cute and funny book about the Aussie's animal. Endearing illustration about a wombat life and her interaction with humans. Great for ages 3-8.
Sirena: A Mermaid Legend From Guam
A lovely story that details an old Chamorro legend from Guam and that reminds us to be careful what we wish for.
Micronesian Legends
Sixty-eight illustrated traditional legends of the many islands of the South Pacific.
The Seven Continents: Australia & Oceania
For more facts on the history and geography of the smallest continent on earth, this book is great for grades 3 -5. They will learn about the early settlers and indigenous people of the region and the traditional Maori art form Kapa Haka. Below is a video from NPR introducing kids to Kapa Haka.
So there it is. I hope you enjoy this line up of Oceania illustrated books just as much as we do!
Want to explore books from other world regions? check out the posts below:
Inspiring books for kids set in Africa
Inspiring books for kids set in Asia
Inspiring books for kids set in South America
Inspiring multicultural children’s books
Inspiring books for kids set in the Middle East
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