Why Homeschool Living Books Matter
Choosing the right resources can make all the difference in a homeschool. For many families, especially those seeking depth, connection, and meaningful learning, homeschool living books offer an engaging alternative to dry textbooks.
In this interview, we spoke with Anthony, the founder of Living Book Press, about his journey as a homeschooling parent, what living books really are, and how his work has supported thousands of homeschooling families across Australia and beyond.
(If you would prefer to watch the interview, scroll to the end of this article.)
Meet Anthony, A Homeschooling Dad Turned Publisher
Anthony is a homeschooling father of three boys living on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Alongside homeschooling, his family runs a working farm filled with animals and blueberry crops, creating a rich, hands-on environment for learning.
Like many homeschool parents, Anthony found himself regularly recommended books that were no longer in print or difficult to source. Rather than accepting this limitation, he decided to do something about it.
What began as a way to pay it forward to the homeschool community quickly grew into something much larger. After tracking down rights holders and republishing hard-to-find titles, requests kept coming. Eight years later, Living Book Press has become a significant resource for families seeking quality homeschool living books.
What Are Homeschool Living Books?
Living books are central to Anthony’s philosophy and publishing work. Rather than textbooks written to meet checklists or outcomes, living books are:
- Written by authors passionate about their subject
- Told in a narrative or literary style
- Rich in language, ideas, and storytelling
- Designed to help children form connections and retain information
This approach was strongly advocated by Charlotte Mason, but it also aligns well with many other educational philosophies. Living books can be used by eclectic homeschoolers, literature-based families, and even those blending structured programs with read-aloud learning.
History, geography, science, and nature study come alive when wrapped in story, making learning both memorable and meaningful.
The Scope of Living Book Press
Living Book Press has grown far beyond a small side project. Anthony has already republished over 400 titles, with hundreds more in progress.
These books support homeschooling families across a wide range of ages and subjects, particularly in areas such as:
- Australian history
- Geography
- Nature study and science
- Literature-rich learning
Because many of these titles were previously inaccessible, Living Book Press removes a significant barrier for families wanting to use homeschool living books confidently.
Australian Stories Told Through Living Books
One of the strengths of Living Book Press is its focus on Australian content, told in an engaging and child-friendly way.
For example, families studying early Australian history can explore the story of the First Fleet through the John of the Sirius series by Doris Chadwick. Rather than memorising dates, children follow a young character as he experiences the realities of early settlement, helping them understand both historical events and human experiences.
For geography, Magic Australia by Nuri Mass introduces children to different regions of Australia through story and imagination, while still building real geographic knowledge.
Another much-loved title, The Wonderland of Nature, introduces Australian animals and ecosystems through conversations and observations shared between a parent and child. This book was later updated with revised scientific information, ensuring it remains relevant for modern learners.
Supporting Real Life Homeschooling
One of the most practical benefits of homeschool living books is their flexibility. Anthony highlights that during seasons of illness, low energy, or general life chaos, families can still continue learning simply by reading together.
Curling up with a well-written book can cover multiple learning areas at once, including literacy, history, science, and comprehension. For families required to report learning outcomes, living books can still meaningfully support educational goals without adding stress.
A Community Driven Project
Living Book Press continues to grow largely through parent requests. Many of the titles republished have come directly from homeschooling families asking for specific books they can no longer find.
Anthony regularly works through requests, researching rights holders and publishers to bring more valuable books back into circulation. This community driven approach ensures the catalogue remains relevant, useful, and aligned with what families are actually seeking.
Why Homeschool Living Books Remain Timeless
In an age of fast content and screen based learning, homeschool living books offer something enduring. They slow learning down, invite discussion, and allow children to build rich mental images and connections.
For families wanting learning that feels natural, relational, and deeply engaging, living books remain one of the most powerful tools available.
To learn more about Living Book Press, visit their detailed listing in the Homeschool Resource Finder Directory.
