Did you know these books were set in Western Australia?
A lot of books you read may be set in far away places, but there’s lots of books set in Western Australia as well! Have you recognised any familiar places in these stories?
At the Dog Park by Moira Court. One of my favourite things about walking in Perth is seeing people walking their dogs! Young dogs, old dogs, smooth dogs, shaggy dogs, little dogs, giant dogs - they’re all included in this book. The illustrations are also really cool as they’re made using screen-printing and paper collage! Maybe you’ll see a pup you recognise in this book. (Ages 0-5)
Ninni Yabini by Cheryl Kickett-Tucker. This story is about a little black swan who gets lost and the evening star who guides him home. Maybe you could read this book on the foreshore or near a lake where real black swans live! This book is written in Noongar as well as English, which makes it extra special. (Ages 0-5)
The Deep by Tim Winton. This story is about a little girl who is afraid of swimming in the deep ocean. I loved the illustrations of the beach and the sea; does the jetty look familiar to you too? (Ages 3-8)
A Cyclone is Coming! by Darlene Oxenham. Have you ever been in a cyclone? I haven’t, but Annie from Useless Loop has! Read this story to find out if living in a caravan when a cyclone is on its way is exciting, scary … or a little bit of both! (Ages 6-8)
Badudu Stories by May O’Brien. This book has stories from four kids, Landy, Buruwan, Wanu and Bindabinda. Their stories are about fitting in, footy, winning awards, and sometimes being confused by the strange words and phrases in the English language! (Ages 6-8)
Bush and Beyond: Stories from Country by Tjalaminu Mia, Jaylon Tucker, Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, and Jessica Lister. This is actually four stories in one book - deadly! If you like spending time with family and in the bush, you’ll enjoy these stories. (Ages 6-11)
My Place for Younger Readers by Sally Morgan. Sally Morgan is a famous Indigenous Australian artist and author but when she was a kid she didn’t know that she was Aboriginal because it was kept as a secret from her. This book is about Sally’s life and how she discovered the truth about her heritage and the terrible things that were done to her ancestors as part of Colonisation. This is a book that will keep you thinking. (Ages 9+)
Goldfields Girl by Elaine Forrestal. If you’re going from York to Southern Cross in 2022, you’d be in the car for almost three hours. But if you were doing the same journey in 1892, it would take you three DAYS, plus you’d be in a bumpy buggy pulled by a horse. If you like historical fiction about brave kids, you’ll love this story. (Ages 9+)
The History of Mischief by Rebecca Higgie. This story goes all over - from Ancient Greece to China to Ethiopia to Victorian England. What you might not know though is that the house where Jessie and Kay find The History of Mischief book is in Guildford! If you like adventure, mystery, and making a bit of mischief, you should check this one out! (Ages 12+)
A Fortunate Life (for younger readers) by A.B. Facey. Bert Facey was born in 1894 (that’s 128 years ago!) and grew up in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions. Can you image how different life would have been that long ago? A Fortunate Life is all about Bert’s life; what it was like traveling to Western Australia, working as a cattle drover and a professional boxer, getting lost in a big storm (and being rescued!), going to war, and lots more. (Ages 12+)
Carousel by Brendan Ritchie. Can you guess exactly where Carousel is set? If you guessed the Carousel shopping centre in Cannington, you’re correct! This book is a little bit scary and a lot suspenseful; it’s about four kids who get trapped in a shopping centre. Surviving in the shops for a day would be ok, but what about a week? A month? A year? (Ages 12+)
P.S. Thanks to Fremantle Press for publishing these great stories (plus heaps more!) and for the information on recommended ages.
