Bron Bates hopes to raise kids who are fair-minded and compassionate. She thinks that reading picture books that challenge gender stereotypes and sexism with fun stories and colourful pictures is an entertaining way to start.

What are you doing over the Christmas break? I’m really looking forward to playing make believe with Rose, listening to Max’s stories, hugging Alex when he’ll let me and working on the treehouse at our holiday place with Mark. But mostly, I’m going to be...

If you harbour fond childhood memories of Snugglepot, Cuddlepie and the gumnut babies, you’ll want to know about Nutcote, author May Gibbs' home in Neutral Bay, Sydney.