books Archives | Little Scholars

Reading with children is transformational – it helps with communication and language development, cognitive skills, inspires imagination and creativity, serve as conversation starters, we could go on and on. It’s also fantastic bonding time that will create memories to last a lifetime. You probably know all about Little Scholars approach to reading, and that it’s a big part of our educational programming. Lately, we’ve been thinking about books that have really stuck with families and educators and of course, children! We thought we’d share some of our favourites, and they’re linked to Gold Coast and/or Brisbane libraries so you don’t have to spend a dime if you need some new reads!

Piranhas don’t eat bananas

This is one of my favourite books to read with children. It’s great for when you have a picky eater or when trying to introduce new foods that children are hesitant to try. – Claire, lead educator, Little Scholars Nerang

By Aaron Blabey, published 2017

Reading ages: ‎ 3 – 6 years

Synopsis: ‘Hey there, guys. Would you like a banana?’ ‘What’s wrong with you. Brian? You’re a piranha.’ Brian loves bananas. Trouble is, Brian’s a piranha. And his friends aren’t happy about his fondness for fruit. No, they’re not happy at all

City of Gold Coast Libraries

Stop the Clock

I recently checked this book out of my local library and read it with my three-year-old daughter. It resonated with me as mornings to get ready with drop-off at Little Scholars Burleigh and get to myself work are so rushed. In this story, I got a better understanding of what that constant hurrying might be like for my toddler, who just wants to start her day by enjoying some time at home, and with her parents.

Since we read this book, I’ve intentionally slowed down, calmed my typical encouragements to move faster and try to find time ways for more connection, with a quick story before we leave or we make up stories in the car. The point in the book of slowing down has even helped with hard moments my daughter might be having by stopping together, going or looking outside and starting to point out all the things we see. – Christina, social media and marketing specialist.

Author: Pippa Goodhart, published 2022

Reading ages: 4-7

Synopsis: Life is so busy! On his way to school, Joe is missing all the exciting things happening around him – he is in such a rush, he doesn’t even notice his little sister crying! Given a task to draw what he saw on his way to school, Joe decides to stop time to appreciate all the little details that make life meaningful, and find out why Poppy was crying.

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

This is a ball

My favourite book to read to the children is This is a Ball. I recommend it for the kindergarten-aged children. It’s a crowd favourite and allows everyone to be a little bit silly! – Hayley, lead educator, Little Scholars Yatala

Author: Beck and Matt Stanton, published 2017
Reading ages: 4-8

Synopsis: For the Grown-Ups: You know how you’re right all the time? All. The. Time. Yes, well, it’s time to give the kids a turn. Which is why everything you read in this book is going to be wrong. But that’s ok, because the kids are going to correct you. And they’re going to love it!

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

I wanna be a Great Big Dinosaur

This is one of my favourites from a while ago. It’s really fun to read and get children involved in, as you can make actions to the words and change your tone to match the images. It’s light reading and a feel good ending. – Yvette, educational lead, Little Scholars Burleigh

By Heath McKenzie, published 2016

Reading ages:4-8

Synopsis: More than anything in the world, one little boy wants to be a great big dinosaur. And he’s in luck! A great big T. Rex shows up to teach him how to stomp and roar just like a dinosaur. But dinosaurs aren’t so great at soccer or video games… Maybe being a little boy isn’t all bad? A story about being whoever (or whatever) you want!

City of Gold Coast Libraries

Pig the Pug

I love reading the Pig the Pug series. All the different stories are such a fun, playful rhyming with lively pictures that always capture the children’s eyes and thoughts leading to conversations and their interpretations of the pictures/story. I also love that in every book, Pig the Pug comes to see the value of honesty, friendship, sportsmanship and gratitude. -Skye, lead educator, Little Scholars Pacific Pines

By Aaron Blabey, published 2014
Reading ages: 3-5

Synopsis: Pig is a greedy and selfish Pug. He has all the bouncy balls, bones, and chew toys a dog could ever want, yet he refuses to share with his poor friend, Trevor.

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

Rainbow Fish

In our kindergarten room we absolutely love to read the Rainbow Fish, it is an important story to us as it shows the importance of friendships and how to make friendships, which as we enter our final year of pre schooling before big school is so important and timely! As well as this we love learning and reading The Colour Monster daily, this book teaches us to identify our emotions and how each one may make us feel. – Ella, educator, Little Scholars Deception Bay

By Marcus Pfister, published 1995
Reading ages: 4-8

Synopsis: The Rainbow Fish learns that being the most beautiful fish in the sea can be lonely. Ultimately he learns that there is more to be gained by sharing his special qualities than by keeping them all to himself.

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

Going on a Bear Hunt

I love Going on a Bear Hunt (and even better, Going on a Croc Hunt) because it’s predictable and repetitive, which supports the children in recounting the story and their comprehension skills. It’s also super fun because it can be used in combination with actions to make it a physical retelling! – Jaidyn, lead educator, Little Scholars Ormeau 2

By Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, published 1993

Reading ages: 3-7

Synopsis: For brave hunters and bear-lovers, the classic chant-aloud by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.Follow and join in the family’s excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest!

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

The Elves and the Shoemaker

One I always remember! As a child my Nanna would read this to me when we visited, and I loved the magic it brought to my imagination. As a adult I love the storyline behind it and how amazing the message is, how important it is for children to learn. Helping others in need also looks at if you help someone, the good karma will always come back to you. – Sarah, educator at Little Scholars Deception Bay.

Retold by various authors

Reading ages: 2-5

Synopsis: A classic fairy tale about two selfless shoemaking elves shows the joy that comes from giving–and receiving–generosity and kindness.

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

Wombat Stew

We love Wombat stew in my studio! It’s a great book to extend on, gathering items from nature on walks etc and using in mud play. Or exploring Australian animals and researching about the different animals in the story. – Lucy,

By Marcia Vaughan, first published in 1986

Reading ages: 0-4

Synopsis: In this classic Australian picture book, a dingo catches a wombat and wants to cook him in a stew. But the other bush animals have a plan to save their friend

City of Gold Coast Libraries & Brisbane Library

Where is the Green Sheep?

I think for me being able to get the children involved in the story by pointing out the different sheep and then the repetition of “But where is the green sheep?” where you could encourage the children to read this aloud with you. My favourite part is the second last page where it says “turn the page quietly and let’s take a peep” as the different reactions you would get from the different age groups always intrigued me, it gave you a real insight of what part of the book they took in. Was it the suspense of finding the sheep or was it the different coloured sheep that caught their eye? The discussion afterwards was almost as rewarding as sharing the book with them. – Morgan, campus manager at Little Scholars Ormeau 1

By Mem Fox and Judy Horacek, published in 2006

Reading ages: 0-5

Synopsis: This is a fun rhyming book that revolves around the search for the ever elusive green sheep. On the search, we are introduced to different sheep on every page doing silly activities that will delight both children and adults.

City of Gold Coast & Brisbane Library

Little Scholars Karalee Waitlist