Picture Books
Click here to access guides for thinking critically about picture books.
Click on the “Librarything” link to see the books on “belonging” we have in the library.
‘Belonging’ picture books reviewed in ‘Metaphor’, the journal of the English Teachers Association of NSW:
The concept of belonging in relation to ownership and interpersonal contexts is explored in Wild’s story; an allegorical tale involving a fox, a dog and a magpie. Click here to access the publisher’s notes about the book.
Feeling as though he cannot belong or be appreciated at school, Luke skips school and finds his way into an art gallery where he instantly feels at home. Click here to access a website discussing the book.
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The Sound of Colours
Liao shows a journey from the mind’s eye of a blind girl as she seeks to find a place where she can belong.
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Shaun Tan’s first silent graphic novel is unique in its ability to convey powerful emotions without the use of any text. The story of a migrant’s journey, it vividly depicts the sense of alienation and isolation felt by the central character, as well as showing the journey he takes in order to find a geographical and social context in which to locate himself. Click here to access images from the book as well as Shaun Tan’s commentary.
The Lost Thing… is a story about displacement. The “lost thing” is a gigantic, red, machine-like animal who is found by a young boy on the beach. Ignored by the boy’s parents despite its startling appearance, the lost thing is presented to the reader amidst a harsh industrial background which wants to rid itself of all misplaced things. Click here to access Shaun Tan’s web site and here to visit the short film website.
O’Connor, K. (2008) Thinking about the HSC Area of Study: Belonging (with reference to related picture books) Metaphor (2). 36-38
Note: For a copy of this article, see Mrs Howe or Mrs Antoniak in the Library
More Picture Book Ideas:
Obtain picture book reviews by searching the Magpies and Literature Base magazines here. Find out which magazines contain the reviews you want then see library staff for copies.
Written by John Marsden and illustrated by Matt Ottley, the full impact of this book cannot be described. It gives new meanining to the notion of “walking a mile in someone’s shoes”.
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A companion book to “Window”. This book is a celebration of community and illustrates, with minute attention to detail, the blossoming of an urban landscape under the care of the people who live in it.
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Gordon’s Got A Snookie
Gordon’s arrival at the zoo is eagerly anticipated by the whole zoo community. When he doesn’t meet expectations, fitting in becomes problematic.
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A thought provoking book that looks at how an insular community reacts when a stranger in need appears.
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Way Home
Shane’s home is in the city; he knows which alleys to be careful of, the best trees to climb for the views and the people who work in the streets at night.
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Mutt Dog
Mutt Dog is brave and fast and smart, he has to be in order to survive. This is a story about finding somewhere to belong.
Recommended by Mrs Elliot
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A refugee story with lyrical language and evocative images. This book was inspired by the author’s contact with Hazara refugees from Afghanistan.
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In 2005, two peregrine falcons made built their nest in the heart of the city of Brisbane. This event made print and television news headlines and inspired Narelle Oliver’s book “Home”.
HSC Belonging 
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