‘Stories for Little Queenslanders’, a series of twelve children’s picture books, published by State Library of Queensland, is now available at Banana Shire Libraries.

The’Stories for Little Queenslanders’ is part of the Queensland Government funded First 5 Forever program

The books have been created exclusively by authors and illustrators with a connection to Queensland to promote early literacy and inspire a love of reading for children 0-5 and feature the adventures of mischief-making animals, quirky local settings and charming young characters reflecting the diversity of families.  These high-quality stories help children develop a sense of identity and belonging through stories that connect with their environment and local communities.

The books are available in print, electronic and audio formats through the network of more than 320 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres.  Audio books and ebooks have been created for each story and will be available from the First 5 Forever website from the release date of Wednesday 9 December for free download.

Books in the series

1. Up and Down on a Rainy Day written by Kathryn Apel and illustrated by Janet Turner

2.  One Remarkable Reef written by Kellie Byrnes and illustrated by Rachel Tribout

3.  Is this Your Egg? written by Ella Kris and illustrated by Emma Cracknell

4. Hotel for Bees written by Alison McLennan and illustrated by Erin Dunne

5. Koalas Like To … written by Shae Millward and illustrated by Brent Wilson

6. The Cow that Swam out to Sea written by Pamela Rushby and illustrated by Nicola Hooper

7. The Little Queenslanders' Alphabet Book written by Sally Scudamore and illustrated by Sophie Bear

8. Once I Munched on Mango written by Samantha Wheeler and illustrated by Shannon Horsfall

9. The Coloured Echidna written and illustrated by Eunice Day

10. Shoosh! written and illustrated by Simon Howe

11.  In the Deep End written and illustrated by Charlie Thomson

12.  The final book in the series, My People written by Billie-Jean Taylor, is coming soon.

All Banana Shire Libraries have a copy of these books which are now available for loan.

First 5 Forever is a family literacy program delivered by public libraries with the primary aim of providing strong early literacy foundations for all Queensland children aged 0-5 years and is funded by the Queensland Government.

First 5 Forever connects families to the information, resources and support they need to build the best foundation for their child’s future language and literacy development.

Banana Shire Libraries run regular First 5 Forever sessions that include Baby Bounce, Toddler Time and Storytime. There are also occasional one-off events including Family Fun Day in the Park, Stories and Hot Chocolate  (Easter Time), Morning Melodies, dependant on funding availability.