Beyond the bookshelf: Using picture books to navigate life’s big questions

In early learning, books are more than a literacy tool, they’re a window into how children see themselves, others, and the world around them. Their use aligns closely with the principles of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS), particularly in supporting children’s sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing.

Every day, educators use picture books to open up big conversations with young children about identity, feelings, family, belonging, fairness, and change. These aren’t always easy topics to navigate, but with the right story, they can become meaningful, age-appropriate moments of connection.

Stories that reflect, affirm, and invite conversation

Children’s picture books are uniquely powerful because they make space for complexity in simple, accessible ways. A story about a nervous character starting school can open up discussion around anxiety. A book about different kinds of families can affirm children with diverse home lives. A gentle narrative about loss can help a child name what they’re feeling.

When children see characters who look like them or who are navigating something they recognise  it sends a quiet but powerful message: you belong here.

Educators are turning to books more often to help create inclusive, identity-affirming learning environments. This aligns strongly with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) v2.0 principles around cultural competence, identity, and holistic learning, as well as the growing focus across the sector on trauma-informed and relational pedagogy.

Books as tools for co-regulation and connection

Big feelings are a part of everyday life in early childhood settings, and books can offer structure, calm, and a shared language in the middle of the chaos.

Educators often report they use stories as a way to pause and reset during emotionally charged moments. Picture books about kindness, patience, disappointment, or courage help children understand and process their experiences, while also building their emotional vocabulary.

Books can also be a gentle way to introduce conversations around neurodiversity, gender, or disability; topics that children are often ready to explore with curiosity, if given the opportunity.

Collections like the Life Lessons for Little Ones series help educators lead these conversations with care. Covering themes like trusting your instincts, celebrating differences, and finding strength in vulnerability, this set has become a go-to for many services looking to build resilience, inclusion and confidence in their classrooms.

Gifting stories, extending learning

Some centres are taking it a step further by sending these books home with families, either as part of transition programs, end-of-year gifts, or simply to support connection between home and centre.

Super Cheap Books has curated affordable collections to make this possible with story packs focused on emotional wellbeing, kindness, and inclusion, starting from just $2.50 per book. Some services have used this approach to help extend the impact of their learning culture beyond the classroom.

A quiet but powerful practice

In a sector navigating workforce pressure, funding constraints and increasing complexity, it’s often the smallest moments that leave the biggest impact.

Sitting down with a child, opening a book, and exploring something real: that’s powerful teaching. And it’s happening in early learning rooms across the country, every single day.

Services looking to explore inclusive, identity-affirming books can browse curated collections at scb.com.au or contact [email protected] for personalised support.

Use code THESECTOR10 at checkout to receive $10 off orders over $100. Offer valid until 31 October 2025.