First Nations Book of the Month - Early Childhood
A year-long digital resource helping Early Childhood Educators embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through carefully selected First Nations children’s books.
Books are one of the most powerful ways educators and children can learn from First Nations peoples. They can open up meaningful conversations, nurture belonging and help children connect with the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, stories and knowledge.
But knowing what books exist, which ones to use with young children, and how to use them in respectful, age-appropriate ways can be difficult and time-consuming.
First Nations Book of the Month – Early Childhood has been created to make that easier. This year-long digital resource gives early childhood educators one carefully selected First Nations children’s book to share each month, along with supporting information to help use each book in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate way.
Jordyn Green from The Yulang Effect has carefully curated each book selection, personally read every book included, and provided practical support so educators can explore First Nations literature with greater confidence and less hesitation.
This Early Childhood edition supports children to learn about:
- identity and belonging,
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages,
- family, community and relationships,
- Country, waterways and the natural world,
- sourcing food from Country,
- storytelling through art, song and dance,
- kindness, friendship and caring for others,
- sharing, fairness and inclusion,
- and the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and stories.
Each book has been selected with careful consideration of young children’s learning, development, interests and readiness. The learning is gentle, engaging and purposeful, with opportunities for educators to build understanding through stories, conversations, songs, movement, play and everyday connections.
The books and suggested learning opportunities have been considered alongside the Early Years Learning Framework, while also providing opportunities to connect with First Nations significant dates, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Science Day, or explore mainstream national and international dates, such as National Families Week, through a First Nations perspective.
This edition is designed for early childhood contexts, including childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools and early learning programs. This edition is designed for early childhood contexts, including childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools and early learning programs. It is also a great fit for libraries that host storytime sessions, reading programs or activities with children aged 3–5.
Additional book suggestions are also included throughout the resource for educators who would like to further explore the monthly focus, offer another text linked to a similar idea, or share related books with younger rooms in the centre.
Reviews
This resource is a brilliant asset for Early Childhood Educators and Services. It clearly explains why each book was chosen for the month, highlights the key themes woven through the story, and offers rich discussion prompts that help educators spark me This resource champions just how powerful literacy and books can be in helping children learn with, from, and about First Nations perspectives and peoples — sparking curiosity, connection, and cultural understanding in every story they dive into.