Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft is a proud Bundjalung Woman and Artist. Bronwyn has been exhibiting nationally and internationally for over 3 decades and has illustrated and/or written 41 children’s books.
Bronwyn’s books celebrate Aboriginal culture and are easily accessible for educators to use across various areas and topics in their curriculum. She cleverly uses topics such as letters, numbers, colours, patters and shapes as a way to contextualise culture through topics young children are already familiar with.
Here are our top five Bancroft books with complimentary tips on how educators can use them in their program.
"Patterns of Australia" by Bronwyn Bancroft
Patterns of Australia represents a series of Australian landscapes and habitats in “patterns”, as seen through the eyes of acclaimed indigenous artist Bronwyn Bancroft.
Each landscape contains animals, birds, plants and flowers particular to that landscape hidden within it, accompanied by text evoking the place and listing the things to find. The book is designed to give children—and adults—an opportunity to see the Australian environment in a new way, as they discover that there is so much more to see around us if we only look!
Tip:
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- Use this book as a provocation to identify patterns on your Country
- The illustrations in this text are also great to inspire creative works in your art program. You could use acrylic paints as Bronwyn has done or you experiment with pattern making using loose parts of plasticine as an alternative.
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"Clever Crow" by Nina Lawrence. Illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft
A warm and witty tale about a hungry crow who has to be very clever when he is searching for food. Clever Crow is presented in English and Djambarrpuynu, one of the many Yolnu languages of the Indigenous people of North East Arnhem Land
Tip:
- Use the AIATSIS Aboriginal Lands map to locate Arnhem Land. This is a great way to scaffold children’s awareness of the diversity and difference of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
"Why I Love Australia" by Bronwyn Bancroft
Gorges that plummet into serpentine shadows ...Cloaks of white that drape the rocky crags of snowy mountains ...In this magnificent celebration of country, Bronwyn Bancroft uses both images and words to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian continent, and to express the depth of her feelings for it.
Tip:
- This text is a great springboard to support discussions about our Connection with Country, why we love it and why we must care for it. After reading Banfrofts book I ask children why they love Country?
- Involve families by asking them to send in a picture of a place where they and their family feel connected with Country. Display these in the classroom to reflect what Country means and represents for individual children.
"Kangaroo and Crocodile: My Big Book of Animals" by Bronwyn Bancroft
Following the success of Possum and Wattle Bronwyn Bancroft has created a companion volume, Kangaroo and Crocodile.
A book of Australian animals and landscapes - from eagles to echidnas, geckos to crocodiles, from desert animals to creatures of the coral reef.
The book is designed to intrigue, captivate and nurture inquisitive minds and to celebrate the uniqueness of Australia and its words.
From eagles to echidnas, from geckoes to crocodiles, animal icons of Australia are gorgeously integrated into glorious patterned landscapes. The end of the book features an information page listing all the animals young readers will have encountered.
Tip:
- Extend on this text by researching Australian native animals in your area and using these to inspire creative arts experiences.
- Use this to support a music and movement experience e.g. snap like a crocodile, waddle like an echidna, hope like a kangaroo or fly like an eagle.
"123 of Australian Animals" by Bronwyn Bancroft (Board book)
1, 2, 3 of Australian Animals is a classic board book from Australia's foremost indigenous illustrator. Inspired by her deep love of country, Bronwyn is a master craftswoman of vibrant, visual narratives, and her way of capturing the beauty of Australia is unparalleled.
1, 2, 3 of Australian Animals is the stunning companion to ABC of Australian Animals.
Tip:
- Ask children if they can think of other animal names starting with the letter A etc
- Extend on counting experiences by going on a nature scavenger hunt and find 1 feather, 2 leaves, 3 sticks, 4 stones etc
"ABC of Australian Animals" by Bronwyn Bancroft (Board book)
ABC of Australian Animals is a classic board book from Australia's foremost indigenous illustrator. Inspired by her deep love of country, Bronwyn is a master craftswoman of vibrant, visual narratives, and her way of capturing the beauty of Australia is unparalleled.
ABC of Australian Animals is the stunning companion to 123 of Australian Animals.
"Shapes of Australia" by Bronwyn Bancroft
From boulders to bee hives, from mountains to coral, Bronwyn Bancroft explores the shapes that form our land.
Shortlisted for the 2018 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year
A 2018 CBCA Notable Book of the Year for Early Childhood
"Coming Home to Country" by Bronwyn Bancroft
Run to the creek,
perch on a rock,
slip into clear crystal water.
An visual and lyrical depiction of coming home to country from acclaimed author and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft.
"The Outback" by Annalise Porter. Illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft
Annaliese Porter was only eight years old when she wrote The Outback. She has captured the Australian outback in all its moods in this moving bush ballad about the country's vast interior.
The Outback, illustrated by respected Aboriginal artist Bronwyn Bancroft, depicts recognisable Australian landscapes and animals such as Uluru, dingoes, cockatoos, snakes and goannas. A stunning picture book destined to become an Australian classic.
"W is for Wombat" by Bronwyn Bancroft
The selection of colours, animals and words and the new format makes this the perfect book for toddlers. Each page will depict an Australian word taken from the original book.
As the original edition of Possum and Wattle continues to sell, this board book will provide a different experience for a younger audience.
"Our Bugs: A Celebration of Australian Wildlife" By Bronwyn Bancroft
Our Bugs, celebrates the beauty found within the Australian landscape.
Australia's foremost Indigenous illustrator Dr Bronwyn Bancroft captures the essence of nature in this stunning board book.
Our Bugs is the magnificent companion to Our Birds.
- Our Bugs and Our Birds are brand-new board books from Bundjalung writer and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft
- Bronwyn is one of Australia's best-loved picture book creators, with close to a million books in print
- These books each introduce the youngest readers to 20 Australian creatures, with lyrical text and bright and fascinating artwork
"Big Rain Coming" by Katrina Germein. Illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft
A lyrical story about waiting for the rain to come to an isolated Aboriginal community.
Tension in the community builds as the rain clouds thicken and grow dark.
Everybody waits.
When will the rain come?
"Sun and Moon" By Ella Bancroft. Illustrated Bronwyn Bancroft
Buhwi Bira is a warrior, and his sister Baribun is a dreamer.
With very different personalities, can brother and sister work together?
A gorgeous story about the power of sibling bonds from Ella Noah Bancroft and Bronwyn Bancroft.
"Our Birds: A Celebration of Australian Wildlife" By Bronwyn Bancroft
Our Birds, celebrates the beauty found within the Australian landscape.
Australia's foremost Indigenous illustrator Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft captures the essence of nature in this stunning board book.
Our Birds is the magnificent companion to Our Bugs.
- Our Birds and Our Bugs are brand-new board books from Bundjalung writer and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft
- Bronwyn is one of Australia's best-loved picture book creators, with close to a million books in print
- These books each introduce the youngest readers to 20 Australian creatures, with lyrical text and bright and fascinating artwork.
"Possum and Wattle: My Big Book of Australian Words" by Bronwyn Bancroft
An eye-opening vocabulary book featuring words taken from Australia's inspiring natural environment--with a glossary of Aboriginal terms.
More than 100 words about Australian animals, plants, and landscapes are defined and explained in this unique word book. From blossoms and bees through wombats and willy willys, the most prominent aspects of Australia's beautiful landscape are detailed here. Lavish illustrations range from small vignettes to expansive narrative landscapes and both captivate and celebrate the uniqueness of Australia and its language.
"The Art in Country: A Treasury for Children" by Bronwyn Bancroft
Gorges that plummet into serpentine shadows ...
Cloaks of white that drape the rocky crags of snowy mountains ...
In this magnificent celebration of country, Bronwyn Bancroft uses colours, shapes, patterns and words to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian continent, and to express the depth of her feelings for it.
The Art in Country: A Treasury for Children is an essential addition to any young Australian's library, and a perfect introduction to the many wonders that this country has to offer. This is a treasury to be cherished by all who love this land.
"The Art in Animals: A Numbers and Words Treasury" By Bronwyn Bancroft
In this collection of four beautiful books, Bronwyn Bancroft pairs numbers and words with the remarkably unique animals of Australia.
From seven turtles plodding to twelve emus running, this treasury is a celebration of country that is perfect for young Australians.