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An introduction to this journal's issue, which discusses the stages Australian and New Zealand children's literature had to go through to achieve its present distinct national identity.
Maurice Saxby takes the reader on a 'short and hurried journey' through 150 years of Australian children's literature, touching on milestones and seeking out the literary giants who have 'the power to feed the soul, quicken the spirit and challenge any reader...to embrace life in all its fullness'.
Johnston examines the notion of 'home' and national identity in Australian children's literature, particularly in relation to contemporary picture books and the need to represent the citizenship and multiple identities of a multicultural society.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal attempted to educate Australians about the need for social justice for her people. Teaching Aboriginal Studies is a tool to achieve this outcome and the article mentions many of the books suitable to impart the truth about Australian history and convey an appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
