Reading with your children is about more than learning the ABCs. This list of smart, socially conscious and, most importantly, enjoyable books are a great way to teach life lessons to your little ones.
Whether you are looking to raise the next generation of Occupy Wall Street protestors or to find interesting children’s picture books that adults will also enjoy, these books are a great place to start.
The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers
This book is suitable for children age 3 and up. Key themes include the environment, conservation and recycling.
Exploring themes of recycling and caring for the environment, The Great Paper Caper is full of Oliver Jeffers’ trademark humour and quirkiness despite the serious subject matter. When the trees of the forest begin to go missing and the animal’s homes begin to disappear, there is a mystery to be solved – and quickly!
Northern Ireland born Oliver Jeffers’ is know for his unique stories and illustrations. His recent book The Heart and the Bottle was shortlisted for the 2011 Kate Greenaway Medal.
The Paper Bag Princess, written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko
This book is appropriate for ages 4 and up. Key themes include gender, feminism and class.
The Paper Bag Princess has been a favourite with socialists and feminists alike since it was first published in 1980. (Copies of the book can even be purchased via the National Organization of Women’s website.) The Paper Bag Princess reverses the stereotypical roles of the princess and the dragon. In this story it is the Princess Elizabeth, not the uncharming and snobby Prince Ronald, who does the rescuing and duels with the dragon. And in the end, Princess Elizabeth is left to wonder whether she really needs Prince Ronald around at all.
The wit and wisdom of The Paper Bag Princess was celebrated in a 25th anniversary edition, published in 2005. The additional features of the new hardback edition include an examination of the lasting impact of the book, as well as an interview with the author.
The Rabbits, written by John Marsden and illustrated by Shaun Tan
This book is suitable for children age 8 and older. Key themes include colonisation and history.
This 1999 Australian book brought together the talents of one of the nation’s best loved children’s authors and one of its most talented up and coming illustrator. Using an animal fable, The Rabbits explores the complex subject matter of the colonisation of Australia with amazing sensitivity and courage. Marsden’s story traces the consequences of the arrival of a group of rabbits - the impact of the food they bring, the houses they build and the environment they exploit.
John Marsden is the creator of the Tomorrow, When the War Began series which has been translated and published around the world. Shaun Tan’s recent achievements include the 2011 Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Short Animated Film and the 2011 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the second richest literary prize in the world.
Sources
- The Great Paper Caper, by Oliver Jeffers. Philomel, 2008.
- The Paper Bag Princess , by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko. Annick Press, 1980.
- The Rabbits, by John Marsden and Shaun Tan. Lothian, 1999.
Cate Allan - Cate Allan is a Melbourne-based writer and editor. She has published widely on language, travel and the arts.
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