When Guardian Australia asked readers to nominate their favourite Australian children’s picture book late last year, we got more than 3,000 responses.

Many parents passed on their children’s reasons for falling in love with their chosen book – and they are just as sweet, sensible and funny as the books they celebrate.

You can vote for the finalists once a day here.

Magic Beach, Alison Lester

The reason I’m nominating this book is because I like it. I like looking at the pictures because they’re great. My favourite picture is the last page because they’re all together asleep.

– Phoenix, 5

Jetty Jumping, Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville

I like it because she faces her fears. And she did it for her bracelet that was special for her. I’m glad she did that as it looked very pretty.

– Alice, 7

Pig the Pug, Aaron Blabey

Pig the Pug is silly and he does silly things.

– Jeremy, 6

Kissed by the Moon, Alison Lester

Every day the baby has a different thing to learn. One day it’s learning how to wake up and listen to the bird song. Another, just having a snooze on a warm afternoon. I love this book because nothing is rushed and, when I read it, it reminds me of when I learnt it and when I first read it. It sucks me into the book and so afterwards I just feel like sitting down and watching bugs and listening to birdsong for hours and hours.

– Chloe, 10

Mr Chicken Goes to Paris, Leigh Hobbs

I like how Yvette and Mr Chicken visit the Eiffel Tower and everyone is scared of him but he’s not scary. I would like to visit Paris with Mr Chicken and see all the things there.

– Zach, 8

Day Break, Amy McQuire with Matt Chun

It made me sad, but I learnt about things I didn’t know about living here and I told my friends.

– Layla, 10

Possum Magic, Mem Fox and Julie Vivas

Because when I was five it was my favourite book ever and, now I am nine, that book is in most of my memories.

– Audrey, 9

Chip, Kylie Howarth

It makes us laugh! Feeling good before bed helps us to sleep, so this book is perfect!

– Babushka, 10

My Shadow is Pink, Scott Stuart

It’s really great how they can just pick their own colour and then all their friends have so many colours too! I also like that the dad cries.

– Ada, 8

Where is the Green Sheep? Mem Fox and Judy Horacek

I am nominating this book because it is my childhood. It makes me feel sad on the outside and happy on the inside because it is so sweet. If this wins, it will make my year.

– Ophelia, 8