NCACL makes free database for educators to help find First Nations children’s books

The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature (NCACL) has produced a free database for educators to help them discover children’s books by and about Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

The database allows educators to explore a range of children’s books and related teaching resources, including: 

• a description of the text and story;  
• advice on how to present the text to children during learning activities; 
• information on the cultures and traditions presented in the text; 
• age-level guidance; 

• insights into the illustrations and author;  
• relevant links to Early Years Learning Framework; and, 
• links to teaching resources. 

The database has been designed to support those working in early childhood education and care settings to identify culturally appropriate and relevant material to add to their collection of stories. 

It is hoped that the database will also give educators an opportunity to add value to their current curriculum with stories that reflect the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ culture, their Dreaming and teaching stories, and tales of contemporary life. 

The database has been funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment, alongside a flyer to share with families.