The Little Queenslanders’ Alphabet Book: a joyful look at local icons

Our new range of Stories for Little Queenslanders books is designed especially for 0-5 year olds, and has been created by authors and illustrators connected to Queensland. 

Borrow the book from your local library, or discover the eBook and audiobook online. 

About the book 

This fun alphabet book features Queensland animals, places and experiences. Your little one will love the bright illustrations by Sophie Beer, and there will be lots of opportunities for conversation based on places you have visited or the different types of cities and towns in Queensland. From bandicoots barbecuing in Brisbane to humpbacks hula hooping in Hervey Bay and yabbies yakking in Yeppoon, there's lots of fun to be had!

Children will find something new that interests them every time you share the story so don’t worry if you don’t get from a-z in one sitting!  

Why is this a good book to share?

Research shows that children's knowledge of letter names and shapes is a strong predictor of their success in learning to read in later years.

The alphabet is a basic skill for learning language. To support early literacy, young children can be encouraged to be familiar with and recognise letters, in order and out of order, as well as the sounds that the letter can make.

Ideas for sharing the book  

Here are just some ways to use this book at home:

• Start by talking about the cover and ask children what they think the book will be about.  
• Don’t skip unusual words such as admiring, frolicking and juggling. Point to the pictures to help make sense of the words. 
• Ask children to locate different elements each time you read, look for the birds, animals, or people and chat about what they’re doing. 
• Ask them to guess and name what else on each page starts with the featured letter. 

The Corner at Home activity ideas

Here are some videos from State Library's The Corner at Home series with activities on related topics with more great ideas:

• Mapping My World: Join us on a map making adventure and learn how to make your own maps.  
• Travel: Create a magical train ticket using collage and paint materials. Use your imagination to work out where your ticket is going to take you 
• Exploring Colours: Join Alarna on a colourful exploration in her backyard and at home, to learn about all the colours of the rainbow 

The author and illustrator 

Sally Scudamore is a speech pathologist and emerging children’s author who grew up on a beef farm outside Goondiwindi. Sophie Beer is a children’s illustrator and author from Brisbane. 

Watch this video to share the story with your family.  The book can also be downloaded as a free audio book.