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Harmony Week

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Harmony Week

Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. For more information, visit harmony.gov.au 

Here are some of our favourite children's books that include themes of multiculturalism, inclusivity and kindness.

Teachers' Resources for Harmony Week

Teachers' Notes
One Tree

A touching and uplifting story about love, change and the importance of the natural environment in all our lives.

Teachers' Notes
My Culture and Me

A stirring story about pride, respect and maintaining culture.

Teachers' Notes
We Are Matildas

From Shelley Ware and Serena Geddes comes an energetic picture book celebrating football and the team spirit of the CommBank Matildas, which will have you cheering from the sidelines. 'Cracking keepsake of an historic time for young fans.' The Australian Women's Weekly

Teachers' Notes
Dorothy

A captivating and lyrical own-voices picture book exploring homecoming, belonging and identity, with exquisite illustrations capturing the essence of a journey of self-acceptance.

Teachers' Notes
Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon

Meet Zadie Ma, a girl who writes magical stories that sometimes come true. Can Zadie bring to life her most important story of all . . . the one where she finds Jupiter, the dog of her dreams? From the Australian Children's Laureate for 2022-23. Shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature in the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards, and the Queensland Literary Awards.

Teachers' Notes
A Ghost in my Suitcase

An award-winning magic realism story for 10+ readers about finding yourself, ghost-hunting, Chinese mythology and culture.

Teachers' Notes
Aslan and Benny

Aslan is fearless! But when his cousins get a new dog, he doesn't feel so brave. A warm and relatable picture book for anyone who’s ever felt stuck by their worries and needed help to do what matters most to them. With vivid and bright illustrations by First Nations artist Jade Goodwin, the acclaimed illustrator of Ash Barty’s Little Ash series and picture book, My Dream for You.

Teachers' Notes
Yarn Quest Series

A breathtaking fantasy-adventure trilogy. Do you dare step into the Realm? A magical journey awaits . . .

Teachers' Notes
Born To Run

A gorgeous picture book that will inspire girls and boys everywhere to chase their dreams.

Teachers' Notes
Malala's Magic Pencil

Based on her inspirational life, Malala Yousafzai's first picture book will inspire all young readers to find the magic around them.

Teachers' Notes
The Spider and Her Demons

Uncover an extraordinary world of demons and witches, where the ones you love can hurt you the most and hiding your true self can get you killed. Winner of the Queensland Literary Awards, Young Adult category, shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Prize and a finalist in the Aurealis Awards.

Teachers' Notes
I Hope This Doesn't Find You

Unforgettable, snarky and romantic, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.

Teachers' Notes
This Time It's Real

Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famous actor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

Teachers' Notes
Circles of Life

An astounding work of significance for sharing with kids and adults about Indigenous art from super star Kamilaroi author Gregg Dreise.

Teachers' Notes
Limelight

Age is no barrier to creating poetry that inspires social change and positive action. Award-winning teenage slam poet Solli Raphael is taking on the world … one word at a time. The future needs you and me to create equality across all levels of humanity ~ Solli

Teachers' Notes
All Four Quarters of the Moon

A big-hearted story of love and resilience from CBCA award-winning author Shirley Marr, starring sisters and storytellers Peijing and Biju, a lost family finding their way, a Little World made of paper, a Jade Rabbit, and the ever-changing but constant moon.

Teachers' Notes
An A to Z of Dreaming Differently

Beautifully illustrated by award-winning Lucia Masciullo, this bold and affirming picture book shouts from the rooftops that you should be you.

Teachers' Notes
The Kindness Project

A heartwarming verse novel from beloved Australian children’s author Deborah Abela.

Teachers' Notes
A Glasshouse of Stars

<h2>Winner of the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year - Younger Readers 2022</h2> <h3>An exquisite, heartbreakingly beautiful gem of a novel for anyone who loved Wonder, Lenny's Book of Everything, A Monster Calls or When You Reach Me.</h3>

Teachers' Notes
Rocky and Louie

A heartfelt story about the bond between two brothers and their special connection to country. Illustrated by CBCA award-winning picture-book creator Dub Leffler, and written by acclaimed singer/storyteller Phil Walleystack and award-winning children’s author Raewyn Caisley.

Teachers' Notes
What Zola did on Monday

From the author of Looking for Alibrandi comes this gorgeous series to engage and entertain newly independent young readers.

Teachers' Notes
Boy Overboard

<h3>Get ready for a wild ride with Boy Overboard by multi-award-winning author Morris Gleitzman ... a story of adventure, ball control and hope!</h3>

Teachers' Notes
The Tree

<h2>A sweet, heartfelt and funny read-a-loud with the feel of a classic and a positive message of peace and sharing. </h2> <h3>Look for the charming little characters hidden on every page, and join Cow and Duck in this beautiful story by the acclaimed creator of Animalia.</h3>

Teachers' Notes
Little Lion

The extraordinary and inspiring true story that became an internationally bestselling book and award-winning film, Lion. Now a stunning picture book illustrated by multi-award-winning illustrator, Bruce Whatley.

Teachers' Notes
Aussie Kids Series

Aussie Kids is an exciting new series for emerging readers 6-8 years. From a NSW Zoo to a Victorian lighthouse, or an outback sheep farm in WA to a beach in QLD, this junior fiction series celebrates stories about children living in unique places in every state in Australia. 8 characters, 8 stories, 8 authors and illustrators from all 8 states and territories! Come on an adventure with Aussie Kids and meet Taj from Victoria.

Activities for Harmony Week

Activity
We Are Matildas Colouring In

Celebrate football and the team spirit of the CommBank Matildas with this activity

Activity
Countdown to Yesterday Word Search

Download a free activity pack!

Activity
Hello and Welcome activity pack

Yarma gurra dahn gooramay!

Activity
Aslan and Benny colouring-in activity

A wonderfully fun and free colouring-in activity.

Activity
Yarn Quest character quiz

A super fun quiz to find out which Yarn Quest character you're most like.

Activity
An A to Z of Dreaming Differently Activity

Dream differently with this beautiful activity pack!

Book clubs
Listen, Layla Book Club Notes

Reading group discussion questions for ages 12+.

Book clubs
All Four Quarters of the Moon book club questions

There’s so much to talk about in this big-hearted story starring sisters and storytellers Peijing and Biju, a lost family finding their way, a Little World made of paper, a Jade Rabbit, and the ever-changing but constant moon . . .

Activity
At home lesson: living in the best places with Aussie Kids

Aussie Kids features eight children who live in eight different places around the country.

Book clubs
Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers

Book club discussion questions and teaching resources.

Video
Hon. Ken Wyatt AM MP reads ROCKY AND LOUIE by Phil Walleystack, Raewyn Caisley and Dub Leffler

ROCKY AND LOUIE by Phillip Walleystack, Raewyn Caisley and Dub Leffler.

Activity
Aussie Kids activity pack

The pack that's jam-packed with fun activities!

Video
Aussie Kids authors share their favourite places in each state and territory

Get to know the eight authors and eight illustrators of Aussie Kids, a book series for beginner readers which explores the lives of children in all eight states and territories of Australia.

Video
The Hon. Kim Beazley AC reads ROCKY AND LOUIE by Phil Walleystack, Raewyn Caisley and Dub Leffler

The Honourable Kim Beazley AC is the Governor of Western Australia.

Activity
Zola activity pack

A beautiful activity pack for Melina Marchetta's new series, What Zola Did

Video
Aussie Kids series | Why do you like reading?

Authors and illustrators of the Aussie Kids series share why they enjoy reading books.

Q&A
Melina Marchetta on Zola

Melina Marchetta's new series is perfect for beginner readers.

Book clubs
A Glasshouse of Stars book club notes

An exquisite, heartbreakingly beautiful gem of a novel for anyone who loved Wonder, Lenny's Book of Everything, A Monster Calls or When You Reach Me.

Video
Aussie Kids series | What makes your state special?

From a NSW Zoo to a Victorian lighthouse, or an outback sheep farm in WA to a beach in QLD, this junior fiction series celebrates stories about children living in unique places in every state in Australia.

Activity
What Zola Did on Thursday activity pack

Colouring pages, word search and a spot-the-difference.

Activity
Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival

Download a word search and colouring page.

Book List
Refugee Week

Books to educate and reflect on the plight of refugees in Australia.