8 must-read Indigenous children’s books in 2023

We bring you our pick of the best new release children’s books by First Nations authors to read with the kids in 2023, available to purchase now from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) website.

Jam-packed with rich illustrations, this wonderful edit of new release children’s books by First Nations authors celebrates the unique culture, traditions and Community stories told by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

From a traditional story about how fire came to be shared within the Community, to the hilarious antics of a cat and mouse, expect the unexpected from this new release reading list—including tales that will spark important conversations and entertain the whole family.

1. The Monsters of McKyus by McKyus Levi

Have you ever seen a Mug Monster or a Chomper Plant? How about a Sila Rex? (He’s Godzilla’s grandson).

This book is filled with monsters from the imagination of a brilliant boy on a faraway island. Some are scary, some are cute, and some … well, you’ll have to read The Monsters of McKyus to find out.

But beware! Some of the monsters are also very dangerous.

The author and illustrator of this incredible book is 14-year-old McKyus Levi, who loves to draw monsters. He lives in the St Paul’s Community on Moa Island in the Torres Straits, a small Community of around 500 people, and you can read more about him here.

2. Murli la by The Ngarukuruwala Women’s Group with Genevieve Campbell

Murli la is a beautifully designed gift book that celebrates the culture of the Tiwi Islands through song. The songs presented in this book hold cultural, genealogical, geographical and spiritual knowledge that has been passed down through thousands of years of Tiwi storytelling, ceremony and in the songlines that circle the islands.

As custodians of the songs, the Ngarukuruwala Women’s Group in partnership with Dr Genevieve Campbell have recorded over 40 songs in language for the first time – each with an introduction and English translation. A one-of-a-kind map of the islands, with areas marked in language, provides a snapshot into the richness of Tiwi culture.

Dr Campbell shares beautiful insights into the Tiwi Islands and her words are accompanied by stunning photographs from the time she has spent with the women. Murli la is the essential i