Looking for fantasy books for 8-12 year olds that celebrate the magic of Australian wildlife? Whether you’re a teacher searching for engaging classroom reads, a parent encouraging independent reading, or a librarian curating stories for young adventurers, these books offer the perfect mix of imagination, native animals, and heart.
From bush-dwelling wombats and daring dingoes to mystical owls and clever echidnas, Australian authors have created unforgettable stories that connect children to the landscapes and creatures of their own backyard.
This hand-picked list blends middle-grade fiction, junior novels, and enchanting picture books, all packed with adventure, friendship, and a sprinkle of bushland wonder.
Middle-Grade & Junior Fiction
1. Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Stars – Tylissa Elisara & Dylan Finney
A tender story about a curious wombat and his adventures under the southern sky, weaving bush settings with gentle fantasy.
2. Brindabella – Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner
A lyrical novel about a joey kangaroo rescued by a boy, blending friendship, freedom, and the magic of the bush.
3. The Legend of the Lighthouse Moon – Helen Edwards, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow
A middle-grade adventure about a girl who uncovers secrets surrounding an old lighthouse and the moon’s shimmering pull on the tide. Perfect for readers who enjoy magic, friendship, and Australian coastal settings.
4. Dingo – Claire Saxby & Tannya Harricks
A beautifully told piece of narrative non-fiction with striking illustrations, following a young dingo learning to survive in the wild. Set among Victoria’s alpine forests, it captures a rugged landscape of mountains and bush.
5. The Singing Seal – Merv Lamington, Allison Langton
A junior novel about a cheeky seal with an extraordinary voice, set on a sparkling Australian coastline. Young readers will love spotting iconic Sydney Harbour sights — from ferries to the Opera House — as the story unfolds.
Picture Books with Magic & Whimsy
6. Possum Magic – Mem Fox & Julie Vivas
A beloved classic: Grandma Poss uses bush magic to make Hush invisible, sending them on a tasty adventure across Australia. I loved this one as a kid, and still do today. Lamingtons, anyone?
7. The Fire Wombat – Jackie French & Danny Snell
A brave wombat guides bush creatures to safety during a fire. A moving story inspired by real wildlife heroes.
8. Wombat Stew – Marcia K. Vaughan & Pamela Lofts
A cheeky, rollicking tale (or is that, tail?) where clever bush animals outwit a dingo determined to cook up a wombat stew. Perfect for group storytime.
9. Koala Bare – Jackie French & Matt Shanks
A cheeky, confident koala declares he doesn’t need anyone, until his bush mates help him see otherwise.
10. Mopoke – Philip Bunting
A delightfully witty, minimalist book about an Australian owl, perfect for bedtime laughs and wordplay.
Celebrate Reading, Writing, and Wildlife Together
These ten titles prove that the best Australian children’s books don’t just entertain, they help kids appreciate our unique wildlife and the stories it inspires.
Whether you’re searching for fantasy adventures for 8–12 year olds, a bedtime picture book featuring native animals, or a new classroom favourite, these stories open doors to reading and connect children with nature.
Explore your local library or bookshop to find them, or add them to your next Australian middle-grade reading list. Sharing these tales with young readers is a wonderful way to nurture curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of books.
Browse other posts on JayneMcIntyre.com for tips, reading lists, and author news, and keep an eye out for fresh stories celebrating the magic of Australia’s bush and its extraordinary creatures.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW? My debut magical middle-grade series takes flight in March 2026 with the release of the first in ‘The Feathers of Farwood’ trilogy.
Jayne McIntyre Author 