Water is common topic of enquiry in the Australian context.

Whether your children are learning about water ways, ecosystems, seasons or the weather there are many ways that one can include an Aboriginal perspective with water.


"Big Fella Rain" by Beryl Webber. Illustrated by Fern Martins

Big Fella Rain is a celebration of northern Australia as animals, birds, trees and a parched earth await the first rain.
It is almost as if the country stands still as the sparse yet evocative text pays homage to the transition from dry season to wet season in a country that is like no other place in the world.

Fern Martins illustrations seamlessly portray the dramatic skies, the thirsty animals and tiny creatures whose very existence rely on the monsoonal changes. Her exquisite rendering of the big landscape against the subtle shifts in the environment have a timeless quality that will capture the hearts of all readers.


"The Mark of Wagarl" by Lorna Little. Illustrated by Janice Lyndon

Maadjit Walken is the Sacred Rainbow Serpent. She is the mother spirit and creator of Nyoongar Country in the south-west of Western Australia. She formed the landscape and the waterways and made her first child Maadjit Wagarl, the Sacred Water Snake, the guardian spirit of all the rivers and freshwaters. The Mark of the Wagarl is the story of how a little boy dared to question the wisdom of his elders and why he received the Sacred Water Snake for his totem. Janice Lyndon’s pastel illustrations resonate with the cultural power of the Maadjit Wagarl and the landscape of the south-west.


"Wilam A Birrarung Story" by Aunty Joy Murphy & Andrew Kelly. Illustrated by Lisa Kennedy

In this stunning picture book beautifully given form by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy, respected Elder Aunty Joy Murphy and Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly tell the story of one day in the life of the vital, flourishing Birrarung (Yarra river).

As ngua rises, Bunjil soars over mountain ash, flying higher and higher as the wind warms. Below, Birrarung begins its long winding path down to palem warreen. Wilam – home.

Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly joins award-winning picture book duo Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy to tell the Indigenous and geographical story of Melbourne’s beautiful Yarra river, from its source to its mouth; from its pre-history to the present day.

  • An ode to Australian rivers, the flora and fauna that live on them, and the function they perform as a part of modern day life.
  • Wilam brings Aboriginal life, culture and language right in to the heart of the city.
  • From an award-winning team of the bestselling Welcome to Country, and Yarra Riverkeeper and award-winning author Andrew Kelly.

"Splosh for the Billabong" by Ros Moriarty. Illustrated by Balarinji

A lyrical book which revels in all things swirly and squelchy, and explores northern Australian animals and landscapes as well as indigenous art.

Splosh for the billabong at shady bend of river. Brush for the flowers that burst in summer heat.

A glorious celebration of country, animals and painting, illustrated by Balarinji, Australia's leading Indigenous design studio.


"The Little Corroboree Frog" by Tracey Holton-Ramirez & Angela Ramirez

The Little Corroborree Frog is a wonderful children’s story that gently introduces the serious plight of one of Australia’s most endangered species. Jet the corroboree frog is happily taking care of the tadpole ponds when the water starts to dry up and his family’s eggs are threatened. He goes to visit Grandmother Frog to find out why and she tells him all about the summers that are getting hotter every year and the careless humans who are leaving their rubbish around.

When a boy and his father arrive to go fishing in the nearby river, Jet seizes the opportunity to show them how humans are threatening the very existence of his species.


"Summer Rain" by Ros Moriarty. Illustrated by Balarinji

A lyrical book about one day during the wet season that celebrates in glorious colour the animals and landscapes of northern Australia with a nod to Indigenous art.

A joyous serenade of northern Australian animals and landscapes in the rainy season, illustrated by Balarinji, Australia's leading Indigenous design studio.

Ros Moriarty, author of the acclaimed memoir Listening to Country, is also the founder of Indi Kindi early literacy education.


"Where the Forest Meets the Sea" by Jeannie Baker

My father says there has been a forest here for over a hundred million years," Jeannie Baker's young protagonist tells us, and we follow him on a visit to this tropical rain forest in North Queensland, Australia. We walk with him among the ancient trees as he pretends it is a time long ago, when extinct and rare animals lived in the forest and aboriginal children played there. But for how much longer will the forest still be there, he wonders?

Jeannie Baker's lifelike collage illustrations take the reader on an extraordinary visual journey to an exotic, primeval wilderness, which like so many others is now being threatened by civilization.


"Free Diving" by Lorrae Coffin. Illustrated by Bronwyn Houston

A poignant tribute to the Aboriginal men and women who worked in the pearling industry as ‘free divers’ in the late nineteenth century in Western Australia. The fictionalised lyrical narrative is based on the celebrated song ‘Free Diving’ by singer–songwriter Lorrae Coffin. It sensitively reflects the emotional journey of a young man who leaves family and country to work on a lugger with Japanese and Malay divers by his side. Bronwyn Houston’s illustrations are a deep-sea celebration that illuminate both the glory of the ocean and the extreme dangers encountered by the free divers.


"Two Mates" by Melanie Prewett. Illustrated by Maggie Prewett

Two Mates is the true story of the special mateship between two young boys who have grown up together in the coastal town of Broome in Australia's north-west.

Jack is Indigenous and Raf is a non- Indigenous boy who has spina bifida. Jack and Raf take the reader on a journey of their daily life growing up in Broome.

Together they search for hermit crabs, go hunting for barni, fish for salmon, explore the markets, eat satays and dress up as superheros. The fact that Raf is in a wheelchair is only revealed at the end of the story.


"Who Saw Turtle?" by Ros Moriarty. Illustrated by Balarinji

A simple story for the very young that tracks the amazing migration of turtles featuring vibrant Indigenous artwork by Balarinji.

Who saw Turtle? Did the whale with the slapping, splashing tail? Or the octopus with the dangly, stretchy tentacles? Maybe the fish with the glittery, shimmering scales?

A glorious exploration of the amazing migration of Turtle as she travels the world and then returns home to lay her eggs, illustrated by Balarinji, Australia's leading Indigenous design studio.

Ros Moriarty, author of the acclaimed memoir Listening to Country, is also the founder of Indi Kindi early literacy education.


"Walking with the Seasons in Kakadu" by Diane Lucas & Ken Searle

This sumptuous book invites us to closely observe the birds, plants and animals that inhabit the unique environment of Kakadu, through an understanding of the six Aboriginal seasons and their characteristics.

Join Diane Lucas and Ken Searle as they walk through the bush of northern Australia. Follow the seasonal calendar of the Gundjeihmi-speaking people of Kakadu. 'This is a story that has got to be told to children so they know country - no good just sitting in the classroom all day. You've got to get outside and discover the bush, feel the changes, see what's there.' from a group of Gundjeihmi-speaking people of the Murrumburr clan


"Ten Scared Fish" by Ros Moriarty. Illustrated by Balarinji

Simple, intelligent, bright and cheerful, this early childhood concept book introduces animals and numbers and celebrates indigenous art in a joyous, non-didactic and playful way.

Ten Scared Fish is an animal counting book with a difference. Following the river to the sea, the reader meets and counts the animals until finally ten little fish meet a big scary shark! Bold illustrations and a delightfully playful text help readers familiarise themselves with prepositions as well as animals and numbers.


"The Rainbow" by Ros Moriarty. Illustrated by Balarinji

A perfect read-aloud story which revels in the kaleidoscopic colours of the Australian landscape featuring Indigenous art by Balarinji.

The land bakes...RED. The sun sets...ORANGE. The dawn glows...GOLD. The flowers burst...YELLOW.

A joyous serenade to colours that show country before a storm, illustrated by Balarinji, Australia's leading Indigenous design studio.

Ros Moriarty, author of the acclaimed memoir Listening to Country, is also the founder of Indi Kindi early learning program.


"Loongie the Greedy Crocodile" by Lucy and Kiefer Dann. Illustrated by Bronwyn Houston

Loongie is a greedy saltwater crocodile who lives among the mangroves at Walaman Creek in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.

He has no friends and no-one will come near the creek while he’s around.

Loongie soon learns why being greedy has its consequences.


"Crabbing With Dad" by Paul Seden

Crabbing with Dad is a beautiful children’s picture book debut from Darwin-based author and illustrator, Paul Seden. Aimed at a younger audience, children will love reading about the adventures of two small children as they go out in the boat with Dad to set crab pots in their secret spot.

Sunscreen and life jackets on, they zoom off into the creek, passing other boats and people fishing along the way. It’s a good tide to be on the water and they even come across Cousin Dan throwing his net as far as he can. Crab pots set, they all wait patiently and play games as they guess what fish could be swimming under their boat. When it’s finally time to check the crab pots, the adventure begins as they pull up a big, angry crab! Dad teaches the children how to handle the crabs very carefully so they don’t get nipped!


"You and Me: Our Place" by Leonie Norrington & Dee Huxley

Every morning Uncle Tobias goes fishing. Sometimes he is joined by two little boys. Together they spend the day moving from one place to another – from the beach, to the bridge and the mangroves on the outskirts of the city – and back to the edge of the city. Along the way they meet other friends of Uncle Tobias – Auntie Ruby and Old Isaac – and listen to stories about Uncle Tobias’ ancestors and other times.

You and Me- Our place is about difference – old and new cultures that exist side by side – but more importantly it is about sameness.


"Dilly Dally All Day Long" by Leanne White. Illustrated by Irene King

Rosie and Ollie loved to dilly dally.

They walk slowly, looking at everything on the way.

One day their freinds take them to the billabong.

Suddenly Rosie and Ollie get the fright of their lives!

Read 'Dilly Dally All Day Long' ro find out what Rose and Ollie discoverat the billabong.


"The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale" By Aunty Shaa Smith & Yandaara

The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale is both a beautiful picture book and a special resource that will connect children to the landscape of the mid-north NSW coast, as well as to the unique stories of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Welcome to Ngambaa Country on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. I am Aunty Shaa and this is the story of the Koala Brothers, the Dunggiirr Brothers. This is the story of our Country. We live the story of being saved by Dunggiirr and we do a ceremony to keep it alive. It is this story and memory we share with you in this book.

This stunning picture book from the Yandaarra Caring for Country community group, a project led by Gumbaynggirr elder Aunty Shaa Smith, in association with the University of Newcastle, helps us learn the stories of the mid-north NSW coast. The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale also spreads a welcome and beautiful message of care and understanding to the wider community.


"Bila's Big Dance" by Rebbeca Chapman

The water in the Yaba River is low, the country is in a drought, the waterbirds are hungry.

Bila the Spoonbill knows he must do something to help.

A rain dance could be the answer. But will Bila be able to bring together the waterbird mob? And can he lead them in a grand enough dance to make the rain fall again?

Delve into this story of empathy, community and perseverance to find.


"Our Island" by the Children of Gununa with Alison Lester & Elizabeth Honey

Every morning Uncle Tobias goes fishing. Sometimes he is joined by two little boys. Together they spend the day moving from one place to another – from the beach, to the bridge and the mangroves on the outskirts of the city – and back to the edge of the city. Along the way they meet other friends of Uncle Tobias – Auntie Ruby and Old Isaac – and listen to stories about Uncle Tobias’ ancestors and other times.

You and Me- Our place is about difference – old and new cultures that exist side by side – but more importantly it is about sameness.


"luwa tara luwa waypa" by Dave Mangenner Gough. Illustrated by Samantha Campbell

Niyakara is leaving the village to hunt tara, kangaroo.

On his mind is the chief's daughter, Tuminana, who is at the water with the women, collecting shells and working.

But down on the beach, Niyakara hears three thuds...

boom boom boom

With rhythmic intensity, Luwa Tara Luwa Waypa tells the captivating story of Niyakara's journey from boy to man, a story of courage and transformation.

Dave Mangenner Gough's powerful words and Samantha Campbell's expressive artwork bring to vivid life the ancestral spirit and enduring strength of the Palawa people of Tasmania.


Felt Lifecycle of a Frog

Learn all about the lifecycle of a frog with these felt toys. Frog eggs are laid in a group of frogspawn in water, that will be hatched into tadpoles. Legs emerged from a tadpole and it becomes a young frog. When its tail shortens until it's no longer there, it becomes an adult frog!

These gorgeous frog life cycle toys have been needle-felted and great for small world play and silk play.

This listing is for the felt lifecycle toys only, the lifecycle tray playmat is sold separately:

Felt Life Cycle Tray Playmat (Earth)

Felt Life Cycle Tray Playmat (Water)


Felt Life cycle of Green Sea Turtle

Learn all about the lifecycle of a green sea turtle with these felt toys. A green sea turtle begins its life as an egg in an egg chamber, breaking through their egg shell as a hatchling and make its journey towards the sea. The juvenile turtle moves into foraging grounds and finally attaining a larger size as an adult turtle.

The green sea turtle is found in Australia's oceans and is one of the largest turtles in the world. These gorgeous turtle life cycle toys have been needle-felted and great for small world play and silk play.

This listing is for the felt lifecycle toys only, the lifecycle tray playmat is sold separately:

Felt Life Cycle Tray Playmat (Earth)

Felt Life Cycle Tray Playmat (Water)


Wooden Engraved Roller - Ocean

Start or add to your Beadie collection with one of our engraved, wooden rollers. Suitable for baking, playdough, kinetic sand and air dry clay. Gently wipe and re-oil after baking or using in sticky sensory bases. Engraved rollers are made from sustainably sourced pine, well-sanded and finished with beeswax wood balm. They are a larger roller at approximately 20cm long. Design concepts are by Beadie Bug Play and rollers are made and laser-engraved by us in Adelaide, South Australia.

We recommend purchasing a tin of Beeswax Wood Balm to care for your wooden products.

Recommended age 3+. Use under adult supervision. Not recommended for use as a teething or chew toy.


Sea Creatures Playdough Stamps

The sea creatures stamp set features a seahorse, shark, starfish, octopus and whale. What underwater adventures will they take you on...?

Stamps can also be used in air dry clay, salt dough, kinetic sand and for baking (with a gentle wipe and reoil afterwards). The stamps are handmade from sustainably sourced pine, are well-sanded and finished with tung oil. The toppers are laser-cut birch ply. Each set is unique, due to the varieties of timber used.

Recommended age 3+. Use under adult supervision. Not recommended for use as a teething or chew toy.


BKE Aboriginal Collection - Wooden Stampers Series TWO

Welcome to the beautiful collaboration between local Gumbaynggir Artist Bernard Kelly Edwards and Julie - owner and designer behind Let Them Play Toys.

Bernard Kelly Edwards x Let Them Play Toys is an Indigenous collection, designed to reflect the beautiful symbiotic relationship found within Mother Nature and to connect young minds to the Aboriginal Culture through play.

Each piece is hand-made and sustainably handcrafted from nature alongside local Indigenous Artist Bernard Kelly Edwards on Gumbaynggir country in NSW Australia.

Aboriginal Wooden Stampers -Series TWO

Set of 8 beautiful Animal Symbols Shaped Stampers, crafted on birch Wooden Stampers measuring 40mm in diameter.

All beautifully packaged in a recycled gift box with love.

A beautiful collection, hand-made and sustainably handcrafted from nature!

Parental supervision is required at all times. Please check your items before use and discard if they show any signs of damage.

Not suitable for children under the age of 36 months or those who still put things in their mouths. This kit contains small parts which can be a choking hazard.