Nature books from:
Nature books: 1994-2000
Environmental Award for Children's Literature: Winners and Shortlisted Books
Check out the very first years of the Environment Award For Children's Literature up to the millennium. Image above: Ben Baker.
You can purchase some of the books using the links below. *This webpage has affiliate links with retailer Booktopia, which means that the Wilderness Society may receive a commission for a sale that it refers, at no extra cost to you.
1994
Picture Fiction
V for Vanishing: an alphabet of endangered animals
Written by: Patricia Mullins
Margaret Hamilton Books
From armadillo to zebra, endangered species take us through the alphabet in this beautiful and informative book. The book includes each endangered animal’s scientific name and natural habitat, while Patricia Mullins’ collage illustrations make the creatures leap off the pages.
Non-fiction
Life in a Rotten Log
Written by: Kathie Atkinson
Allen & Unwin
Here is the fascinating story of what happens when a tree crashes down in the forest. Slowly, over the days, months and years that follow, it becomes home, food store, hunting ground and nursery for many different plants and animals. In time, the rotten remains of the old tree mix with the soil and provide food for new trees growing in the forest – the cycle is complete. Life in a Rotten Log explores a beautiful microcosm of nature; a vivid example of the cycle of life, and the interdependence of all living things.
Fiction
Lockie Leonard, Scumbuster
Written by: Tim Winton
Pan Macmillan Australia
Lockie’s life is a disaster area. His new best friend is probably the oddest human being on planet Earth and, to round things off, he’s fallen for a kid still in primary school who even surfs better than him. Can things get worse? This book is the sequel to “Lockie Leonard, Human Torpedo”.
Picture Fiction
Mundarda
Written and illustrated by: Belinda Brooker
Cygnet Books
Tells of the adventures of Mundarda and her family of pygmy possums in the Dryandra Forest.
Non-fiction
The Eye-Spy Book of Endangered Animals
Written by: Chris Cheng
Illustrated by: Michael Davis
Ashton Scholastic
The 15 Australian animals featuring in this book are at risk of becoming extinct, and it is we humans who have caused most of their problems. In this book you will find lots of information to help you set up your very own club to protect and save our native animals.
Judges' comments:
Spectacular photos of the animals are interspersed with creative suggestions for making animal prints, masks, badges and miniature garden. A book to be enjoyed by primary aged children.
1995
Picture Fiction
The Fisherman and the Theefyspray
Written by: Paul Jennings
Illustrated by: Jane Tanner
Viking
Deep in the still cold shadows the last Theefyspray looked out from her lonely lair. There was not one other like her now… A beautiful creature swims in the sea. A fisherman lowers his hook. Here is a simple tale about separation, compassion and survival. A story that will linger, and leave you with much more than memories.
Picture Fiction
A Matter of Cats
Written by: Elizabeth Hutchins
Hyland House Publishing
Visiting her grandparents in the bush, Kate rescues an injured koala, resulting in an introduction to neighbours who are creating a wildlife sanctuary. Can Kate's pet cat have harmed an endangered native animal?
Judges' comments:
This book raises many important issues including species extinction, habitat destruction and how to a responsible cat owner. Highly recommended for late primary and early secondary readers.
The Platypus & The Wombat
Written by: Pauline Reilly
Illustrated by: Will Rolland
Kangaroo Press
It is important for children to understand the cycle of life, while learning that with such understanding comes responsibility. A responsibility to the environment.The "Picture Roo Book Series" does just that. In each title, Pauline Reilly, aided by the illustrations of Will Rolland, explains the life cycle of an animal native to the Australian region. Written in a style simple enough for younger children, but containing a wealth of facts, these books will aid in shaping a positive view of wildlife and the world.
Non-fiction
The Eye-Spy Book of Rainforest Animals
Written by: Chris Cheng
Illustrated by: Stephen Michael King
Ashton Scholastic
Create your own rainforest fun, rock to the rainforest rap and find out about 15 magical animals of the rainforest in this book shortlisted for the Wildness Society Book of the Year awards. Each of the featured animals has a indicator showing their home in the rainforest and includes one line of the Rainforest Rap.
The Dolphins: Swim Free
Written by: Marianne Rogers
Illustrated by: Martin Thompson
Kangaroo Press
The Atlantis dolphins had to be set free. Their marine park was closing and there was nowhere for them to go. This is the story of the ambitious project undertaken to prepare the dolphins for their release. From the original group to the birth of a new generation, it follows the dolphins as they learn to adapt to their new-found freedom. This is no simple task, as they even need to be taught how to hunt schools of fish. Many problems crop up, but so do many delightful experiences. At last, the dolphins swim free, but with some unexpected results!
1996
Picture Fiction
The Story of Rosy Dock
Written and illustrated by: Jeannie Baker
Random House Australia
An introduction to environmental awareness describes how a single rosy dock garden in Australia was spread throughout the country on the wind, threatening the native plants and animals in the southern, central, and western regions.
Non-fiction
The Taipan: The World’s Most Dangerous Snake
Written by: Paul Masci and Philip Kendall
Kangaroo Press
Guide to the biology, behaviour and habitat of the taipan. Presents information about topics such as the symptoms and treatment of taipan bites and milking a taipan. Also provides stories about early human encounters with this poisonous snake, case histories of people bitten by the taipan and an account of the development of an antivenom.
The Eye-Spy Book of Party Animals
Written by: Chris Cheng
Illustrated by: Debbie Coombs
Ashton Scholastic
Here is a book that celebrates 15 flashing, stunning, brilliant colourful animals and that lets us know why colour is so important to the animals whether it be on bottoms, on faces, on wings or wherever it is. Find out about the Corroboree frog, the Red faced Uakari, the Mandrill or the exquisite Golden Lion Tamarin.
It’s a Frog’s Life
Written by: Densey Clyne
Illustrated by: Lorraine Ellis
Allen & Unwin
We all know that frogs love water, but did you know that some frogs have built-in "goggles, " and spend months underground during drought? Frogs are fascinating little animals, that seem to wear permanent smiles. Find out why they need that wide mouth, how they catch their food and avoid their enemies, and how they find a mate. Learn their habits and you, too, can become a frog watcher.
Spotlight on Spiders
Written and illustrated by: Densey Clyne
Allen & Unwin
Examines how spiders find their food, defend themselves against danger, and protect their eggs.
1997
Picture Fiction
Spiders Spin Webs
Written by: Yvonne Winer
Illustrated by: Karen Lloyd-Jones
Margaret Hamilton Books
This book offers readers the chance to look closely at a stunning variety of webs and reveals how, when, where and why spiders spin webs.
Picture Fiction
Pannikin & Pinta
Written by: Colin Thiele
Illustrated by: Peter Gouldthorpe
Thomas C. Lothian
Colin Thiele returns to the setting of his bestseller Storm Boy with this remarkable new picture book about a young boy and a family of pelicans who have to escape from drought-stricken Lake Eyre.
Fiction
High Valley
Written by: Colin Thiele
Walter McVitty Books
High Valley is sleepy and remote, tucked away out of sight on a dead-end road. The soil in the valley is rich, the rainfall heavy, the climate warm, the farms and gardens green and fruitful, the people contented... until the arrival of two strangers changes their lives forever...
Non-fiction
Chipping Away: Woodchipping and Logging in Native Forests
Written by: Greg Pyers
Reed Library Cardigan Street
The two sides of the woodchipping debate, the key people in each debate, the decisions made by federal governments in trying to satisfy the needs of the industry, and its workers.
Travelling to the Future: Tourist and its Effect on Society
Written by: Janet Baker
Reed Library Cardigan Street
1998
Picture Fiction
One Child
Written by: Christopher Cheng
Illustrated by: Steven Woolman
Era Publications
One Child combines a simple text with richly colored illustrations drawing on the imagery of an old stained-glass window that is gradually cleaned to reveal the beauty underlying the pollution. A hopeful book about the environment.
Judges' comments:
A superbly inspirational book showing what one child can do to help the environment. Vivid illustrations depict the damaged earth transformed by caring people into the beautiful world our planet can once again become.
The Incomplete Book of Australian Mammals
Written by: Ronald Strahan
Illustrated by: Pamela Conder
Kangaroo Press
Colorful illustrations and intriguing tidbits about the animals native to the land Down Under. The Incomplete Book of Australian Mammals is a selection of the author and illustrator’s favorite animals of study. Each full-color illustration has information on the habitats and characteristics for each animal.
Judges' comments:
A wonderfully entertaining and informative collection of poems for readers of all ages, stunningly illustrated with beautiful paintings and drawings.
Fiction
Blueback
Written by: Tim Winton
Pan Macmillan Australia
From the author of the bestselling novel The Riders comes a bewitching fable sure to delight readers of all ages. A wise exploration of the difference between the acquisition of information and the quest for knowledge, Tim Winton’s gem-like ecological fable will warm the hearts of his fans.
Judges' comments:
A beautifully told story about people living in balance with the natural world. This lyrical story will appeal to a wide range of readers as it relates a young boy's affinity with a remarkable fish and his growing understanding of ecology and the mysteries of the sea.
1999
Picture Fiction
Islands in my Garden
Written by: Jim Howes
Illustrated by: Roland Harvey
Roland Harvey Books
Come sailing around our backyard. Explore the islands, caves, valleys, forests and underground cities. Meet the strange inhabitants, and, if you look closely, you’ll find a place full of surprises. A delightful picture book from an award-winning illustrator and writer.
Judges' comments:
Young readers will love the familiar worms, beetles, birds and frogs drawn in larger than life perspective while older readers will enjoy the many visual jokes which appear throughout the book.
Non-fiction
Australian Guide to Pond Life
Written by: Bob Winters
Gould League
Ponds and streams are full of ferocious hunters, timid swimmers and armour-plated monsters. Once you have rummaged and probed your way into this secret, hidden world you will want to venture back again and again to make new discoveries. This book describes ponding equipment, methods and safety plus providing an identification guide. The “Australian Guide To …” series was the winner of the 1999 Wilderness Society Environment Awards for Children’s Literature.
Judges' comments:
The Australian guide series is a clear, informative, well-illustrated set of books which encourage children to examine the myriad amazing lifeforms in ponds, seashore, and their own backyards.
Australian Guide to Seashores
Written by: Sheree Marris, Trish Hart
Gould League
An invaluable guide for junior seashore explorers, this book helps to identify and learn about many beachwashed objects and rockpool creatures. Loads of interesting facts are presented in a clear, colourful and highly accessible way, sure to enrich any seashore experience. The Australian Guide to Seashores was the winner of the 1999 Wilderness Society Environment Awards for Children’s Literature.
Judges' comments:
The Australian guide series is a clear, informative, well-illustrated set of books which encourage children to examine the myriad amazing lifeforms in ponds, seashore, and their own backyards.
Picture Fiction
Rainbow Warrior: Battle for the Planet
Written by: Jill Morris
Omnibus Books
Tells the story of the ship, the Rainbow Warrior, belonging to Greenpeace, that sailed the world in an attempt to defend the environment. Describes the activities of its crew, and the eventual destruction of the ship by sabotage.
2000
Picture Fiction
Mahogany the Mystery Glider
Written by: Jill Morris
Illustrated by: Sharon Dye
Great Glider Productions
A mix of informative prose and attractive poetry about the endangered mahogany glider of North Queensland.
Sand Swimmers: the secret life of Australia’s dead heart
Written and illustrated by: Narelle Oliver
Thomas C. Lothian
At first glance, nothing moves in the desert. But hidden in this harsh environment is a diverse range of wildlife, sometimes leaving no trace but a pattern in the sand.
Fiction
Dreamcatcher
Written by: Jen McVeity
Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd
Tess used to believe her father would always be there. But that was before he got caught up with his rising political career. Tess is different now, too. Shuttling between two homes and two mothers, she's dropped out of championship swimming and almost out of school as well. The only thing that interests her is leading a group of young environmental activists, the 'Green Guerillas'. And even though Tess never goes near the water now, she still has nightmares about drowning...