Foster a lifelong love of stories and storytelling in children of all ages with our family-friendly ebookshelf!
The Library has a huge range of free ebooks – 200,000 and counting! – which you can either read online or download for up to seven days.
To get started, browse our latest selection of ebooks suited to children aged 12 and under. You can also scan our monthly curated ebookshelf for some reading of your own, or browse for even more free ebooks !
For tips and advice, read our Get started guide or watch our video on using ebooks.
To access ebooks from home, you need to be a State Library member with a Victorian home address. (Terms and conditions of use apply.)
Exploring Soils: A Hidden World Underground Exploring Soils: A Hidden World Underground Samantha Grover and Camille Heisler
CSIRO Publishing, 2017
Reading age: Years 6–9
In Have You Ever Wondered What Happens in the Earth Underneath Us? James has, and he wants to learn more about soil. In Exploring Soils: A Hidden World Underground , James discovers that soil is not just dirt for digging in. He explores how plants and animals live in soil, how soils are formed, how they differ, and the ways that soil is essential in our lives. Written by Samantha Grover, a soil scientist and parent, and with engaging illustrations by artist Camille Heisler, Exploring Soils will take you to an underground world filled with activity and discoveries.
Animal Eco-Warriors: Humans and Animals Working Together to Protect Our Planet Animal Eco-Warriors: Humans and Animals Working Together to Protect Our Planet Nic Gill
CSIRO Publishing, 2017
Reading age: Years 8–14
Come on an action-packed adventure with an amazing mob of animal eco-warriors as they use their special talents to help solve our planet's environmental problems! From the nosy noses of biosecurity beagles at airports to rats learning to sniff out landmines in war-torn landscapes, animals are using their unique abilities to help make the world a better and safer place. With fantastic colour photos of animal eco-warriors at work, this book is full of fun facts on how animals are helping humanity work towards a more sustainable future. There are also plenty of tips on how you can make a difference to the planet. Join the animal eco-warrior team today!
Careers for People Who Love Cooking Careers for People Who Love Cooking Morgan Williams
Rosen Publishing Group, 2020
Reading age: Years 7–12
For those who have a passion for food, there's nothing quite like stepping up to the stove and preparing a meal. It can be intimidating, however, to make the leap from home kitchen cooking to professional culinary arts. This informative guidebook offers your culinary fanatics a host of ideas and tips for breaking into the restaurant industry, without having to go to college. From line cooking to food photography, anyone who enjoys cooking will find themselves inspired by these suggestions.
Albert Namatjira Vincent Namatjira
Magabala Books, 2021
Reading age: Years 6–12
Award-winning artist Vincent Namatjira tells the life story of his great-grandfather, Albert Namatjira, one of Australia's most iconic artists. Vincent's witty and moving paintings are accompanied by evocative text, which records the pivotal moments in Albert's life. In telling his great-grandfather's story, Vincent builds a compelling picture of the times and conditions in which Albert lived and worked, capturing his triumphs and tragedy against a backdrop of social change and historical injustices.This poignant children's book provides an important tool for discussion about Australia's art history, and a launching pad for exploration of the key moments in Australia's Aboriginal Rights movement.
Four Days of You and Me Miranda Kenneally
Sourcebooks, 2020
Reading age: Years 14–18
Every May 7th, the students at Coffee County High School take a class trip. And every year, Lulu's relationship with Alex Rouvelis gets a little more complicated. Freshman year they went from sworn enemies to more than friends after a close encounter in an escape room. It's been hard for Lulu to quit Alex ever since. Through break-ups, make-ups, and dating other people, each year's class trip brings the pair back together and forces them to confront their undeniable connection. From the science museum to Six Flags, New York City to London, Lulu learns one thing is for sure: love is the biggest trip of all. Are Lulu and Alex meant to be, or are they better apart?
How the World Looks to a Bee: And Other Moments of Science How the World Looks to a Bee: And Other Moments of Science Don Glass
Indiana University Press, 2020
Reading age: Years 6–9
Get a buzz out of science with a collection of fun facts and explanations of the world around us. What can you learn about your world in just a moment? Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Or whether dogs can read our facial expressions? Written for readers of all ages with no background in science required, How the World Looks to a Bee is the perfect armchair companion for curious people who want to know more about the science of everyday life but have only a moment to spare. With intriguing everyday phenomena as a starting point, this entertaining collection uses short tutorials and quick and simple experiments to invite readers to test the science for themselves. These fascinating and topical science stories are sure to delight the curious child in all of us.
Trash to Treasure: A Kid's Upcycling Guide to Crafts Trash to Treasure: A Kid's Upcycling Guide to Crafts Pam Scheunemann
Scarletta Junior Readers, 2013
Reading age: Years 9+
With easy step-by-step instructions, this book will help kids get creative and recycle and repurpose their trash into handmade treasures. All projects feature common everyday items to reuse in a fun new way. From bottle-top pop art to felted tin-can organizers, kids will love making useful crafts and helping the environment. Great tips and advice on reusing, garage sales, and spotting treasures are also provided. So start your upcycling with these fabric, paper, metal, glass & ceramics, and odds & ends projects. Book includes: visual supply & tool lists, step-by-step instructions and photos, fun advice & tips, and safety information.
Young Entrepreneur World: How 25 Teen-trepreneurs Succeeded and Left World Leaders Scratching Their Heads Young Entrepreneur World: How 25 Teen-trepreneurs Succeeded and Left World Leaders Scratching Their Heads Sabirul Islam
Marshall Cavendish Limited, 2012
At the age of 14, Sabirul Islam became an entrepreneur by founding a web design company, whilst growing up in an underprivileged area of East London. When he was 16, he was lecturing teenagers at schools, colleges and universities about what it takes to become a young entrepreneur. In this book, Sabirul Islam presents 25 individuals, who all started out as entrepreneurs in their teenage years, and who have recently gone on to become successful and inspiring role models.
