Australian Children's Books

Children's literature did not exist prior to the 1700s, as people did not think children needed their own books. However this changed when European and American authors began to mass print works of literature for children.

Australian children at the time of colinisation were expected to read the litertaure of their British counterparts, as Australians were still considered British at this time.

Children's literature started to focus on being Australian, rather than being aimed at British children as was in the past. Australian character (people and wildlife) became prominent features in these books.

In the early 1900s authors began to feature the Australian Bushland and the Flora and Fauna of it in their books, such as Blinky Bill and Snugglepot & Cuddlepie.

Support for the Childrens publishing industry was increased after World War 2.

Changing culture and technology brought new subjects for childrens literature.

The Indigenous Referendum brought about an increased Indigenous contribution to children's Literature.

From this point, childrens picture books became artworks with the rise of colour printing. This has continued until today.