Check out our commonkind list of favourite books to read with your preschooler about the value of intergenerational friendships. All books are ruthlessly reviewed by our panel of real child judges! Although they are still learning kindess they don’t hold back on the important subject of books!
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BUSH MAGIC
by Kylie Howarth (AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR)
Why we like it
The disappointment of a rainy day is turned on its head when Jarrah and her Grandpa manage to have a fun bush adventure at home using their combined imagination. The evocative images are a delight and younger readers can enjoy the story even without the text. Seeing the Australian animals and landscape is a bonus for local readers. This book will appeal to young readers and, with many families relying on grandparents or older grandfriends to help with child care – this book is sure to suit them too!
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From the Publisher
This delightful story is about the power of imagination, appreciating the natural world and spending quality time with the ones you love.
Jarrah and Grandpa love spending time together exploring the bush around their home. But one miserable Sunday it’s too rainy to venture outside, so instead Jarrah and Grandpa float away on a dreamlike quest where they meet magical creatures, save their stranded bush friends from a flood and have their most exciting adventure together yet.
THE TREE AT NUMBER 43
by Jess McGeachin (AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR)
Why we like it
Jess McGeachin’s divine illustrations are a joy for readers young and old. This fantastical tale with a subtle environmental protection theme is also a celebration of all the wondrous things older generations have seen and done as well as a testament to the strength of people to change society for the better. For budding environmentalists or simply those with an appreciation for nature, this story will provide the catalyst for many conversations about “then” and the power of “now”.
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From the Publisher
A warm, inspirational story about determination, conservation, the magic of nature . . . and grandads.
In a noisy, grey city, Sam and his Grandpa long for the deep, dark wonderful jungle.
But when their dream comes true, can they find a way to protect it?
A delightful story book for all generations about the magic of wild places and the amazing things we can achieve
when we all work together. The Tree at Number 43 inspires hope for the future of our environment without any sense of doom and gloom. A book for parents and grandparents to share and enjoy with kids, whether they want to create a garden at home or change the world.
I REMEMBER
by Jeanne Willis & Raquel Catalina
Why we like it
A heart-warming gentle introduction for young children about dementia. Sensitively handled by young George who demonstrates how much fun he has with his older friend even if she doesn’t always remember his name. A master-class in practical and genuine compassion from a young child. Beautiful illustrations bring life to this lovely story and show how precious intergenerational connections are for all involved.
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From the Publisher
A poignant story full of love and gentle humour to help young children understand dementia. George’s granny is quite forgetful. Sometimes, she can’t even remember George’s name. But George doesn’t mind. Together they play in the garden, dance, and share chocolate biscuits. Granny might not always remember the little things, but George knows she loves him more than words can say.A celebration of the unforgettable love between a grandparent and grandchild, proving that even though the mind can sometimes forget, the heart will always remember. This is a topical and timely story from bestselling and award-winning writer, Jeanne Willis. Beautiful artwork from Spanish talent, Raquel Catalina, brings this heartfelt tale to life with tenderness and warmth.
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We provide benevolent relief to people and communities suffering from poverty, disadvantage and distress by facilitating age-appropriate community service activities for children, families and other interested parties.
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