Most school and regional town libraries in Australia have a decent selection of literature that qualifies as 'quality literature'.
Using the picture books in a small K-6 library, I was able to create a mapping grid of key concepts from the NSW English syllabus with suitable literature. The literature chosen lends itself to the teaching of specific concepts. Keep in mind that these quality works can also be used to teach other concepts - the grid is a guide only. This list, was to be used by teachers in their Scope & Sequence documents over a two year period based on the class breakdown of straight and composite classes for 2014.
Many of the titles suited the integration of the cross curricula priorities of Sustainability, Asia and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander history & cultures. These were then colour coded accordingly .
Please note this list of picture books is by no means exhaustive. Be aware too, that more & more quality childrens' and young adult literature is produced every year. The Children's Book Council is a great place to keep up to date with new titles.
Worthy of consideration also, is subscribing to Australian Standing Orders. For a set subscription fee each year, a choice of high quality picture books, novels and non-fiction will be sent directly to your school or organisation at greatly reduced prices. From experience, most of the shortlisted books each year from the Children's Book Council of Australia are included in the subscription packs.
With the emphasis on QUALITY and MULTIMODAL texts, a picture book subscription from Australian Standing Orders is a worthwhile investment; even for the smallest of schools.
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