Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers much-needed solace for many. Here’s why.

A Hint of Nostalgia

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, classic Australian children’s literature has enjoyed a major resurgence. 

Why? Millennials are feeling nostalgic for a simpler time, filled with sweet narratives, happy memories, and a dash of native Australian flora and fauna. 

The books we love are known to trigger nostalgia responses. They remind readers of ideas and identities that shape their worldviews, and they can promote a sense of joy, hope, and belonging, especially in times when these things may otherwise feel difficult to come by. 

Stories on the Rise

Books including Mem Fox’s Possum Magic and May Gibbs’s iconic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie have been rising in popularity. Jackie French’s Diary of a Wombat is set to educate a whole new generation of book lovers, while Blinky Bill is ready to earn a fresh cohort of fans.

Beyond the Books

The trend goes beyond the books. Many avid readers are choosing to celebrate their love of a good story with a range of merchandise, from clothes to homewares and more. 

In fact, the popularity increase has been so significant that the May Gibbs estate has just launched a brand-new online store to meet the demand. This is in addition to the products already available from major retailers. 

More than a century after May Gibbs first started sharing her well-loved stories with the world, her nature-infused tales are still in the limelight. Now in addition to shopping for Gibbs’s beloved books and stationery, readers can find May Gibbs-inspired homewares, clothing, and much more.

What’s Next for Australian Literature?

These classic Australian stories are here to stay, and with a new generation beginning to explore what made these tales so famous, their popularity is only set to grow. 

But what’s next?

As Aussie readers continue to applaud the successes of history’s greatest local writers, new works are hitting the shelves every day. The classics inspire a lifelong love of reading for many. And after that? Well, there are many more stories to discover.