Ted Prior’s latest Grug book sees the beloved children’s character confront bushfire. Written after the New South Wales Rural Fire Service saved Prior’s home in Killabakh during Australia’s 2019-2020 bushfire season known as Black Summer, Prior realised that many animals – such as the haystack-like imaginary creature that is Grug – would only survive fires by being underground. The author returned to Grug to spread a message of hope and preparedness.

While the coronavirus pandemic may have overtaken the news cycle since the bushfires of last summer, the need to teach children about bushfire hasn’t dwindled. Children’s authors in Australia have responded to this need, with new releases for a range of ages over the past year adding to a trustworthy backlist published in the wake of the 2009 Black Saturday fires. The books may help children navigate their fear of bushfires, and help adults address children’s anxiety.

Karen Young, psychologist and founder of online anxiety resource for young people, Hey Sigmund, says that children’s anxieties often revolve around the questions “Am I safe?” and “Am I going to be OK?”

“It’s important to validate whatever feelings they have, and make sure you show you understand their feelings,” Young says.

Explaining that bushfires and other disasters are scary even for adults can acknowledge children’s feelings without dismissing them. Coming from a position of strength is also important, she says, to demonstrate that there are many people who can help people be safe in the event of a bushfire.

“What books do, and any reading, is it normalises [an experience], presents this as something that happens to lots of people,” Young says. Reading may not just be about bushfires, but any trauma or disaster. “This can allow children to ask questions and stimulate conversation.”

Likewise, Toni Noble, adjunct professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University, explains that picture books in particular should provide accurate information, but should not give unrealistic expectations or be too didactic. She suggests teachers can use such books to provide support without singling out students who may have experienced bushfire, and can tie these topics back to curriculum.

When considering age-appropriateness, Young suggests parents read books first and decide what works for their child. “Parents know their children best. What works for one child may be too much for another.”

Here are six recent Australian releases that deal with bushfires as a theme.

1. Grug and the Bushfire by Ted Prior

Simon & Schuster

One day, in the midst of a very dry summer, Grug notices a cloud of smoke that is heading for his home and he worries for the other animals. They all take refuge in his underground home. Returning to the familiar character of Grug may help with the message of preparedness and kindness. The fire itself is only seen in the background. A portion of the proceeds of each sale will be donated to Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Suitable for readers 4+

2. The Fire Wombat by Jackie French, illustrated by Danny Snell

HarperCollins

Jackie French has returned to wombats, this time her first with illustrator Danny Snell. In a rhyming story, French conveys the urgency of the impending bushfire. A wombat shares the safety of her burrow with other animals. The language is sensory and evocative, depicting the fire and its potential for destruction, but by using the animal perspective, French and Snell share a message of hope and resilience. A portion of proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Wombat Protection Society.

For ages 3+

3. Bindi by Kirli Saunders, illustrated by Dub Leffler

Magabala Books

For middle-grade readers, Bindi is a slightly more unusual novel: a verse novel. Individual poems weave together the story of Bindi and her family and friends on Gundungurra Country as they suffer through the loss that a bushfire brings. Narrated in first-person, this story deals with feelings of anger, despair and frustration, while also rejoicing in growing up on country and surrounded by love. Despite being deeply affected by the fire, Bindi finds solace in a big art assignment. Each poem uses sensitive and accessible language. Beautiful and intricate illustrations from Leffler further enhance the story’s emotional complexity.

For ages 8+

4. Willy-willy Wagtail by Helen Milroy

Magabala Books

For early readers, Willy-willy Wagtail comprises several short stories. At first, the Bush Mob are disorganised and unable to understand each other, as they are not speaking the same language. When the threat of a bushfire forces them to work together, they all realise the importance of communicating and looking for out for one another. The story may also spark discussion about the special connection between Willy-willy Wagtail and Gusto (the wind), Indigenous history and storytelling.

Suitable for ages 5+

5. Tippy and Jellybean by Sophie Cunningham, illustrated by Anil Tortop

Allen & Unwin

This is an accessible read, similar to other titles on inspirational people and animals. During a bushfire, koala Tippy protects her baby, Jellybean. This is a story of resilience, and importantly, of how people can help animals. The vets help Tippy recover from her burns, and both Tippy and Jellybean return to their home in the bush. Tortop’s illustrations are soft and friendly. By focusing on just Tippy and Jellybean, the story avoids being too confronting about injured wildlife. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund.

For ages 3+

6. The Bushfire Book: How to Be Aware and Prepare by Polly Marsden, illustrated by Chris Nixon

Lothian Children’s Books

This is illustrated nonfiction at its finest, carefully considering that there is a need to talk to children about bushfires. Marsden acknowledges that fire is scary and there is a lot of worry about – our homes and families, pets and animals. Children are given a neat rhyming plan: be aware, prepare and share. The warm and earthy colours throughout are calming. Marsden also emphasises that there are lots of expert adults who can help in the case of bushfires. Accompanied by a pullout poster, great for prompting further family discussion.

Suitable for ages 5+

Earlier releases

• Fire by Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Wheatley (Scholastic)

• Fabish: The Horse That Braved a Bushfire by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Andrew McLean (Allen & Unwin)

Forthcoming

• Fluffles: The Brave Koala Who Survived a Bushfire by Vita Murrow, illustrated by Rachel Qiuqi (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, out 2 March)

• Clare Millar is a Melbourne-based writer, editor and bookseller