Two new resources bring children’s voices to families, early learning and classrooms
Us!, a children’s storybook, and Growing up in Australia: our story, our voice, a youth reference book, were inspired by the State of Australia’s Children report, a collaboration between UNICEF Australia and ARACY, supported by Minderoo Foundation.
Children are clear about what they need to feel safe, loved and healthy. These two resources put their voices at the centre, in formats made for the people who spend each day with them.
Us! A children’s storybook
Created by celebrated Australian author Jackie French and illustrated by Elin Matilda Andersson, Us! is inspired by real voices. It celebrates the diversity of childhood across Australia, from cities to regional and remote areas. Every child’s life looks different, but their core needs are the same: loving relationships, play, learning, nourishing food and safe spaces.
Family, community and everyday experiences all help children feel healthy and happy. Us! encourages children to celebrate similarities and differences, and to recognise that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and heard.
Reading with young children is one of the best ways to support their development and school readiness. Watch the read-along video with John and Evie from The Wiggles, or download the free digital storybook.
© Elin Matilda Andersson
© Elin Matilda Andersson
Growing up in Australia: our story, our voice. A youth reference book
This reference book puts young people’s experiences front and centre. It combines national data with the real voices of children across Australia, helping students connect with experiences beyond their own, and it translates that data into content students can easily understand.
Activities and discussion prompts invite students to reflect, ask questions and consider how to improve life for children in their communities. The book explores health, learning, safety, identity, belonging and participation, and supports wellbeing, civics and social learning outcomes.
Why this matters for systems and policy
Us! tells us that parents, communities and government play a vital role in children’s wellbeing. We need to strengthen the systems and family supports around children from the very start, so all children have the opportunity to thrive. The State of Australia’s Children report brings together the evidence governments need to do this.
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With six connected areas, The Nest ensures young Australians have everything they need for the best start in life, helping them reach their highest potential.
Using The Nest, has helped ARACY to be at the forefront of disease prevention and the promotion of holistic health for young Australians.
Here you’ll see some examples of how The Nest has been used in organisations outside of ARACY across Australia.
