Non-fiction

The State of the Planet

Written by: John Nicholson
Allen & Unwin

This text distills what is known about global warming, pollution, population pressure, resource use, extinction and other environmental issues, with examples from all over the world. Having set out the problems, the author explains what actions are being taken and suggests things for government and industry to do and actions for ordinary people in their everyday lives. He also includes inspirational “good news” stories, for example, primary school children buying rain forest in Ecuador.

Judges' Comments: This book outlines how we are destroying the ecosystems we depend upon. But it also offers hope. After outlining such problems as pollution, deforestation, extinction, and global warming, there are sections on what is being done and what governments and individuals can do to help.

Fiction

Remote Man

Written by: Elizabeth Honey
Allen & Unwin

Remote Man is an exciting thriller about five kids on three continents, connected via the Net, trying to catch an international crook. It’s about computers, friends, families, bears, reptiles, travel and a whole lot more. It’ll make you laugh and maybe even cry.

Picture Fiction

The Hidden Forest

Written and illustrated by: Jeannie Baker
Walker Books

Jeannie Baker, incomparable creator of intricate collage illustrations, invites you to take a plunge with Ben, into the sea…to see. See what? Underwater forests of kelp. Rocks with strangely beautiful textures. A myriad of fish. The hidden splendour of one of the Earth’s last, most alluringly beautiful frontiers. And something totally unexpected! Ben will never see things the same way again. And neither will you.

Judges' Comments: This book promotes a sense of awe and respect for the natural world.

Picture Fiction

Bilby Moon

Written by: Margaret Spurling
Illustrated by: Danny Snell
Working Title Press

Each night when Little Bilby leaves her burrow, she looks up to greet the moon. And each night the moon looks down and smiles. But then one night the moon doesn’t smile. A piece of the moon is missing! Little Bilby’s quest for the missing moon takes her on a journey of wonder and discovery.

Turtle's Song

Written by: Alan Brown
Illustrated by: Kim Michelle Toft
University of Queensland Press

A lyrical journey of the life of the Green Sea Turtle from hatchling beneath the sands of a coral beach, through wanderings at sea, to adulthood and returning to lay eggs of its own.

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Written by: Jill B. Bruce
Illustrated by: Jan Wade
Kangaroo Press

This is the sad but true tale of the urbanisation of a hill of virgin native bushland, and traces the passage of progress on Red Hill. The natural bushland is bulldozed, and roads, houses, introduced plants and trees rapidly replace the natural flora. The question then is Where have all the flowers gone?

Judges' Comments: This book shows the devastation caused by urban sprawl.

Picture Fiction

Yellow-Eye

Written by: David Spillman
Illustrated by: Mark Wilson
Era Publications

The yellow-eye fish were becoming scarce. Neither the Impatjara Aboriginal community nor the Newmob white community alone could find the answer to this serious problem. Scientists from the white community came to solve the problem with their special equipment; the Aboriginal elders also had valuable knowledge about the area. This is a story about communication-the way in which different cultures approach problems and how they view the world.

Picture Fiction

Silly Galah!

Written by: Janeen Brian
Illustrated by: Cheryll Johns
Scholastic

A fun and informative collection of rhyming poems about Australia’s unique birds and animals.

Non-fiction

Shark Man

Written by: Rodney Fox
Scholastic

Few men have been attacked by a great white shark and lived to tell about it. Rodney Fox, attacked at twenty-three years of age, didn’t stop diving, snorkelling or swimming in shark-infested waters—in spite of the dangers. These stories of his many close encounters with dangerous sharks are enough to make the bravest swimmer think twice!

Life Cycles of Australian Animals Series (including Echidna, Emu, Koala, Common Wombat, Lace Monitor, Red Kangaroo, Seahorse, Little Penguin, Green Turtle, Redback Spider, Spotted Grass Frog and Saltwater Crocodile)

Written by: Greg Pyers
Illustrated by: Andrew Plant
Scholastic

The Life Cycles of Australian Animals looks at the life cycle of the animal and provides information about its habitat, diet and predators. The text also explains how the animal are adapted to survive in their environment and describes threats to their survival.

Finding Out About… Series (including Platypuses, Dugongs, Echidnas, Bilbies, Humpback Whales)

Written by: Greg Pyers
Echidna Books

What do these animals like eat? How do they find their food? And what are their homes like?

Raintree Perspectives Series (including Rainforest Explorer, Forest Explorer, River Explorer, Mountain Explorer, Coral Reef Explorer, Desert Explorer and Ocean Explorer)

Written by: Greg Pyers
Reed International Books Australia

Written for young independent readers, each book in this series combines core non-fiction features with an emphasis on research skills. This title looks at the diverse life forms and the plants that live in these various ecosystems.

Fiction

Shadow Seeker

Written by: Jen McVeity
Scholastic

Saving hundreds of rats from the dissecting knife is only the start of the Green Guerrillas’ campaign. Their leader is Tess Robertson, a genius at fighting environmental pollution and injustice, and equally brilliant at fighting with friends and family at the same time. Now Tess is planning her biggest battle yet. She has to stop a billion-dollar paper mill from being set up in town, and pumping dioxin, one of the world’s most toxic pollutants, into the air. And all she has to help her are the three Green Guerrillas, a reckless kid sister and one dark-eyed, karate-kicking photographer who can’t take “no” for an answer.

Fiction

Blotsville

Written by: Mary Steele
Illustrated by: Jiri Tibor
Hyland House

Mrs Chattery stood at her farm gate and stared at the new houses from the estate spilling over the hill—blots on the landscape, she calls them. Other citizens too are becoming uneasy. What is their mayor up to in the name of progress? An unlikely group forms and shows that true progress is measured by peoples’ happiness

Judges' Comments: A rollicking story!

Picture Fiction

Brindlebat

Written and illustrated by: Naomi Mairou
Trapdoor Press

Brindlebat just cannot sleep this morning, no matter what she does! Then she meets someone with a problem that seems even worse than hers. Can a very tired, very annoyed fruit bat find a way to solve both problems?

Silverskin

Written and illustrated by: Guundie Kuchling
Cygnet Books

Thirteen baby pythons are born. But one of them, Liasis, is different. “Look at her!” sneer the others. “Is she really one of us?” Feeling sad, the poor little snake slides away. She hides among the flowers, and tries to cover herself with elaborate costumes. But eventually Liasis discovers her special gift and delights her brothers and sisters with her talents.

The Dugong Meadow

Written and illustrated by: Naomi Mairou
Trapdoor Press

The tranquil seagrass meadow seems a safe place for Gentle Dugong and his aquatic undersea friends to play until one day a trawler with its scoop net appears.

A Steve Parish Story Book Series (including Whale Worries, Going Batty, Dolphin Triumph, Pelican's Pride, Wombat's Secret, Cockatoo Calling, Koala's Big Day, Kangaroo's Lucky Escape, Tree-Frog Tangles and Turtle Tricks)

Written by: Rebbeca Johnson
Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

Favourite Aussie animals embark on many different page-turning adventures. The stories are written by Rebecca Johnson, a practising teacher, mother and wildlife carer. Based on the 52 virtues, including caring, honesty, forgiveness and unity, these story books also feature type set in Beginners Alphabet and are specifically targeted to beginning and emergent readers. Wonderful Steve Parish photographs exemplify and give added dimension to the text.

Big Book of Australian Backyards: Nature Learning

Written by: Kerry Kitzelman
Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

This book in the Steve Parish Backyard Kids series features the gorgeous and fascinating Aussie animals that share our urban and rural worlds, captured so beautifully on film by Steve. The book is a fantastic tool to enable children to recognise the animal visitors to their garden, while learning about the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes, sounds and time. It also encourages a healthy curiosity and introduces children to nature in the safety and familiarity of their own backyard. Aimed at the early childhood stage from 3 year olds through to early primary school years.

Big Book of Australian Backyards: Early Learning

Written by: Kerry Kitzelman
Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

This book in the Steve Parish Backyard Kids series promotes the development of hand-eye coordination in preparation for learning to write. It is full of fun exercises and activities designed to reinforce handwriting skills, observation, problem solving and social interaction. Utilising Steve’s engagingly beautiful photographs of Australian animals as the vehicle for teaching basic literacy, numeracy and shape recognition, and introducing concepts of time, this book is perfect for early childhood 3 year olds and older.

Time

Written by: Catherine Prentice
Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

Help your child learn about time and routine. This early learning, durable board book also introduces children to popular Australian animals. Vibrant photographs of Australian wildlife and simple text make this fun book ideal for babies, toddlers and beginning readers.

First Facts: Koalas

Written by: Kylie Currey
Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

With these simple, affordable First Fact books, parents won’t need to scratch their heads when asked whether a shark’s teeth fall out, or why emus have such long legs! This range aims to satisfy some of the common questions children aged 3-5 years might have about birds, kangaroos, fish and koalas.

Non-fiction

Solo Wildlife Series (including Chimpanzee, Elephant, Polar Bear, Wolf, Lion and Killer Whale)

Written and illustrated by: David Kennett
Scholastic

This series of books capitalizes on the natural curiosity of children. They combine simple text with illustrations that fire the imagination and engage interest. They show how animals are designed to live in their habitat.

Amazing Facts About Australian: Native Plants

Written by: Cathy Hope
Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

This book is packed full of information, and you’ll be amazed at how much you learn about Australia’s native plants by dipping into the facts presented—inspiring a curiosity and thirst to know more about the unique plants that create and support our natural environment. Australia has a vast array of fascinating plants and this book will unlock many of the secrets of the complex plant communities that are absolutely vital for all other living creatures. From ancient conifer trees and cycads that offer a glimpse of the dinosaurs’ world to the soft and beautifully matched pastel colours on gum trunks and to blooming deserts of wildflowers after rain—Australia’s plant life really is stunning. Enjoy reading about the great diversity of plants that are the foundation of our world. We are fortunate that something so vital also provides us with such a spectacular environment!

Amazing Facts About Australian: Mammals

Illustrated by: Steve Parish
Steve Parish Publishing

This book is packed full of information and you’ll be amazed at how much you learn about Australia’s mammals by dipping into the remarkable facts presented. It is to our astonishment we also learn that mammals today often had either giant or pygmy-sized ancestors millions of years ago! Today our mammal heritage is threatened by a number of challenges as development pushes into natural habitats and introduced predators thrive. Many of the extraordinary creatures in this book may be new to you. Many of them are shy or nocturnal and a number of them are endangered or vulnerable. Perhaps what you learn from this book will delight you so much that you’ll want to delve deeper into the amazing lives of Australia’s mammals and cultivate your wonder as to which of them share your suburbs, the countryside or the sea.

Fiction

The Secret World of Wombats

Written by: Jackie French
Illustrated by: Bruce Whatley
Harper Collins Publishers

Jackie French loves wombats. She’s been living with and studying them for over 30 years, and they have been featured characters in many of her books. Now her beloved wombats take centre stage, as Jackie reveals everything you have ever wanted to know about them – from their zoological history to habitation and habits. Jackie also shares some personal stories from her experiences living with these wonderful creatures. There are also wombat Q&As and wombat jokes sprinkled throughout the book.

Picture Fiction

I Said Nothing: The extinction of the Paradise Parrot

Written by: Gary Crew
Illustrated by: Mark Wilson
Thomas C. Lothian

Harry lives on a sheep station in Queensland. Aware of the trappers who trespass on the land to catch wild parrots, Harry is skeptical of an ad inquiring about parrot sightings. He has seen two Paradise Parrots nesting in the south paddocks. With the visit of naturalist Alex Chisholm, Harry learns that it is not only the actions of the trappers that endanger the parrots.

Judges' Comments: As the evocative title suggests, this book reminds us that it is the responsibility of us all to protect the natural world.

I Did Nothing: The Extinction of the Gastric-Brooding Frog

Written by: Gary Crew
Illustrated by: Mark Wilson
Thomas C. Lothian

With the death of the last Gastric Brooding Frog, Zeek decides he has to do something about preserving Earth’s endangered species.

Judges' Comments: As the evocative title suggests, this book reminds us that it is the responsibility of us all to protect the natural world

I Saw Nothing: The Extinction of the Thylacine

Written by: Gary Crew
Illustrated by: Mark Wilson
Thomas C. Lothian

Rosie witnessed the capture of the last thylacine. Could she have done anything to save it, and save the species from extinction? This is the first story in the ‘Extinct’ series, dealing with the Tasmanian ‘tiger-wolf’ or thylacine.

Judges' Comments: As the evocative title suggests, this book reminds us that it is the responsibility of us all to protect the natural world.

Non-fiction

The Heart of the World: Antarctica

Written and illustrated by: Coral Tulloch
ABC Books

Antarctica is the highest, driest, windiest, coldest, cleanest, most isolated and most peaceful continent on Earth. It is a continent of wilderness, a place of enormous size and energy, of constant change and of great and rare beauty. To enter into Antarctica is to enter into a powerhouse, into the very heart of our Earth. Children can undertake their own journey to Antarctica with this comprehensive and highly illustrated guide. Learn about Antarctica’s unique geography, its captivating animal and plant life, its history of human exploration and scientific research. Discover what it’s like to live in an Antarctic station and how to survive on the ice. Read interviews with people who have worked in Antarctica as chefs, electricians, ice pilots, scientists and more.

Judges' Comments: This book is packed with fascinating details and drawings on Antarctica's ecology, history and human habitation. As Coral Tulloch says" it is the only place in the world where all national work together to maintain the environment."

Picture Fiction

Bush Tails, Bush Secrets, Bushfire, Drought, Oil Spill, Rainforest, Reef and Wetlands

Written and illustrated by: Tricia Oktober
Hodder & Stoughton

Beautifully illustrated children’s picture book describing various Australian animals and landscapes. Includes notes on the plants and animals featured in the illustrations.

Picture Fiction

Belonging

Written and illustrated by: Jeannie Baker
Walker Books

As in the author’s previous picture book, Window, this book is observed through the window of a house in a typical urban neighbourhood, each picture showing a year’s developments. This is Window in reverse, though, with the land being reclaimed from built-up concrete to a gradual greening, shown through the artist’s characteristic collage illustrations.

The World That We Want

Written and illustrated by: Kim Michelle Toft
University of Queensland Press

Lyrical text and striking illustrations weave together the air, rain forest, mangrove, beach, tide pool, reef, atoll, and ocean to show how these habitats are all interconnected. An in-depth look at these environments and the animals that live in them is offered along with notes about dangers that threaten their survival.

Non-fiction

The Big Picture Book

Written by: John Long
Illustrated by: Brian Choo
Allen & Unwin

The story of four billion years of evolution is told in simple words and stunning images in this vivid volume. Using the latest scientific research, an up-to-date account of Earth’s history—the Big Bang, major changes to the planet’s continents and climates, and crucial steps in the evolution of life—is presented.

Fiction

Hope Bay

Written by: Nicole Plüss
Puffin Books

Every evening Possum waits with Olga in the calm water of Hope Bay for the dolphins to surge from the deep. They only ever come for the old woman and no one knows why, though Possum is sure it is magic. But there is more to Olga than just magic . . . there are secrets. Secrets that drove Olga far away from her homeland to the precious, pristine wilderness of Hope Bay. Secrets that she will never speak of, not even to Possum. Joyous and moving in equal parts, Hope Bay is a story of friendship, freedom and courage.

Picture Fiction

Harriet

Written by: Anthony Hill
Illustrated by: Coral Tulloch
Puffin Books

Harriet was a real tortoise from the Galapagos Islands… who lived for most of her long, long life in Queensland. When Harriet died in 2006, at the great age of about 175-years-old, she had become one of the world’s most famous tortoises. It was said she was one of the tortoises collected by the great naturalist Charles Darwin and the ship HMS Beagle, when it visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835. But was she? In the story of Harriet, Anthony Hill tried to find out…

Fiction

The Other Side

Written by: Sally Morgan
Illustrated by: Teresa Culkin-Lawrence
National Museum of Australia Press

Nine-year-old Alex is not impressed about the prospect of spending a few days with his grandfather. Gramps and his friends are environmental activists and when Alex and his parents arrive, Gramps is tied to a tree—with a large crowd and a television reporter in attendance.

Barefoot Kids

Written by: Steve Hawke
Puffin Books

When the Jirroo kids—Janey, Jimmy, Tich, Buddy and Dancer form their band, they’re just looking for fun. But as their special place, Eagle Beach comes under threat things start getting serious. The rumble of bulldozers begins to drown out their music, as the mystery of a fortune in missing diamonds, hidden graves, old murders, new dangers and ancient secrets collide. The kids will need to draw on everything they’ve got to make it through.

Picture Fiction

Uno’s Garden

Written and illustrated by: Graeme Base
Penguin

When Uno arrives in the forest one beautiful day, there are many fascinating and extraordinary animals there to greet him. And one entirely unexceptional Snortlepig. Uno loves the forest so much, he decides to live there. But, in time, a little village grows up around his house. Then a town, then a city… and soon Uno realises that the animals and plants have begun to disappear…

Non-fiction

Leaf Litter

Written and illustrated by: Rachel Tonkin
Angus & Robertson

Leaves, twigs and bark collect on the ground in forests all over he world. We call it leaf litter, but it isn’t really rubbish at all. Rachel Tonkin explores a small patch of leaf litter beneath one tree.

Picture Fiction

In the Bin

Written and illustrated by: Kellie Bollard
Kellie Bollard

All through the week we fill our bins with dirty, old and broken things. But… where does it all go? Where does it end up? When it goes from the bin, into the back of the truck. Find out in this fun and informative rhyming story about bins, recycling and all things rubbish.

Rising Above Global Warming

Written by: B.J. DeFrancesco
Illustrated by: Shari Lynn Myers
A Better Be Write Publisher

The air, the water, and the animals are all dying from the black heavy smoke that is covering the sky and killing everything. This a wonderful book for children that explains what Global Warming is, and what it is going to do unless it is stopped, and is already doing to the earth. It explains how to stop the catastrophe that no one thought about until now that it is here. A must read for every child, as they are the adults of the future and must understand what is necessary to save the earth and everything on it.

Laugh again Kinta!

Written and illustrated by: Leane
Sunbeam Books

Kinta does not feel at all like laughing when he realises he’s been separated from his family. Can he remember how to laugh when it might be the only way to find another kookaburra in this strange new place?

Non-fiction

Galapagos: World of its own

Written by: Josephine Croser
Illustrated by: Matthew Gibbs, Verity Gibbs
Era Publications

Ever wanted to visit Mars? A visit to the Galapagos Islands is not another planet, but it is pretty close. This group of islands is one of the most untouched places on earth. Galapagos: World of its own takes you to the islands to explore their weird and wonderful wildlife, plant life and landscapes. Learn about why the islands’ amazing creatures live there and what makes them special. This book also explains how the islands formed and explores ideas about how different species evolved. You will learn about wildlife protectio-n and preserving the environment.

The Octopus’s Garden: The Secret World Under the Sea

Written by: Mark Norman
Black Dog Books

Through amazing footage and stunning photographs, this DVD book uncovers the secret underwater world of the octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. Witness the amazing Day Octopus sprint across the sea floor, just like a jogger on two legs. Come face to face with the Blue-ringed Octopus, one of the world’s deadliest creatures. Be hynotised by the Broadclub Cuttlefish with its flashing stripes. Watch the Mimic Octopus change shape in the blink of an eye. See the tiny Striped Pyjama Squid use its super-speedy arms to snare its prey. Come for a wander through The Octopus’s Garden, and meet these and many more fascinating creatures.

Fiction

Eco-Warrior

Written by: Josephine Croser
ABC Books

Autobiographical scrapbook of a 16 year old Indigenous Australian girl who was an activist at 14 and set up Teens Against Whaling.

Chelonia Green: Champion of Turtles

Written by: Christobel Mattingley
Allen & Unwin

Chellie was very small when she first saw the beautiful green turtles with the scientific name so close to her own. Every year she would watch them swim in the sea and make their long journeys up the beach to lay their eggs. But one day, Chellie makes a grim and horrible discovery, a discovery that turns her life upside down and forces her to act.

Non-fiction

Going Bush

Written by: Ken Searle and Nadia Wheatley
Allen & Unwin

The award-winning journey of friendship and harmony, this book follows sixteen children from eight schools in south-west Sydney as they explore their local environment and work collaboratively on art and writing.

Picture Fiction

The Little One: The Story of a Red-tailed Monkey

Written by: Kaitie Afrika Litchfield
Black Dog Books

Kaitie was four years old when she traveled with her mother to Uganda, where her mum was going to study chimpanzees.
One day, a two-week old orphaned red-tailed monkey was bought to their sanctuary. As the adults were all busy working with chimps, Kaitie was placed in charge of caring for the tiny monkey.
This is the true story of Kaitie’s friendship with the baby monkey she called ’The Little One’. It is the story of an extraordinary young girl, and one adventurous year in Africa.

The Giggle Gum Tree

Written by: Juliet Williams
Illustrated by: Elizabeth Botte
IP Kidz

Lily and Amanda Smart are lucky girls. They live in a tall house made of purple bricks, and every day they get to walk to school through a park filled with beautiful trees. Their favourite tree is the Giggle Gum, and they look forward to playing in it. But not everyone likes the Giggle Gum because it has overgrown a pathway nearby. Some people complain, and soon the Tree Police put up a sign saying the Giggle Gum Tree is going to be cut down. Afraid they’ll lose their leafy friend, Lily and Amanda come up with a plan to save it. But will it be too late?

Lame Duck Protest

Written by: Goldie Alexander
Illustrated by: Michelle Gaudion
IP Kidz

When Zoe and her older sister Hanna find a duckling with a broken leg in a nearby park, they are determined to nurse it back to health. They do, but just as they release it back into the wild, an even greater danger appears—someone wants to develop the park into a shopping centre!
The duck becomes the rallying point for the girls and their neighbours who stage a LAME DUCK PROTEST. But will they succeed? Will Antonia’s parkland be preserved?

Pow! Meet the Renewables

Written by: Caren Trafford
Illustrated by: Charlotte Lance
Etram Pty Ltd

Meet the Renewables is an energetic expose on the state of our Energy today.
Fossil fuels provide 80% of energy globally and they ‘re being consumed as fast as they can be produced. Is it any wonder that they are running out? To make things worse, pollution and Greenhouse Gas emissions are rising. Our planet is in peril and it needs your help.

Picture Fiction

Tuart Dwellers

Written by: Jan Ramage
Illustrated by: Ellen Hickman
Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia

From the break of dawn to nightfall, the tuart is not as it appears. Leaves and bark, trunk and branches—all are places of pretence, traps and trickery. Find out what surprise a “moon crater” might hide and why a bullseye borer drills holes; how a crab spider goes shopping and a jewel beetle becomes a seedpod; why a dragon wears a beard and how a gecko talks. And meet the “mad hatterpiller”, who does a very clever hat trick. Tuart Dwellers celebrates the diversity, colour and ingenuity of the natural world.

Non-fiction

True Green Kids: 100 things you can do to save the planet

Written by: Jenny Bonnin, Kim Michelle McKay
ABC Books

True Green Kids is the one book every home should have for the next generation. This vital children’s title is an innovative collection of fun and practical ways to help kids become agents for environmental change in their world. With fresh, new strategies and a bright, friendly design, True Green Kids invites the whole family to embark on an eco-adventure through a series of fun ideas that can be applied everywhere from the living room to the local park. Underscoring its message of individual awareness and action with beautiful colour illustrations and lively text, the book puts an energetic spin on conservation, making environmental stewardship exciting and empowering for young kids.

Picture Fiction

Terry: Adventures of a Terek Sandpiper

Written by: Anne Hamilton
Illustrated by: Sandra Temple
Wombat Books

An environmental awareness story describing the migration of Terek sandpiper from Siberia to Australia each year. Journey with young Terry as he has to fly half way around the world at only a few weeks of age. The tough conditions and harsh realities of survival are sensitively portrayed in this exquisite picture book.

Scaly-tailed Possum and Echidna

Written by: Cathy Goonack
Illustrated by: Myron Goonack, Katrina Goonack, Marlene Goonack
Magabala Books

Passed down from generation to generation by the Kandiwal Aboriginal community, this engaging story explains how the scaly-tailed possum got its scaly tail and how the echidna—one of Australia’s most unusual mammals—got its spikes. Vividly illustrated by Kandiwal children, this traditional tale is not only entertaining but also educational as it provides photographs and descriptions of these two iconic Australian animals.

Tick Tock Tick Tock What's Up Croc?

Written and illustrated by: Kim Michelle Toft
Silkim Books

Spend a day in the life of a prehistoric predator—the saltwater crocodile. Meander through poetic text to find out why this resilient reptile has withstood the test of time and truly is the last of the mighty dinosaurs.

Non-fiction

What’s the Issue? Series (including Australia’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Australia’s Water Shortages)

Written by: Greg Reid
Macmillan Education Australia

This series provides an informed, unbiased review of some of Australia’s most topical issues: social, environmental, economic and political. Complex issues are written clearly and simply, without bias or prejudice. Small chunks of text makes information accessible to a wide range of student abilities.

Rare Earth Series (including Saving Tigers and Saving Pandas)

Written by: Carla Litchfield
Black Dog Books

Saving Tigers: Saving Tigers covers everything you could want to know about tigers. It is full of amazing facts, from the basics, to conservation issues. Dr Carla Litchfield speaks of the importants of keeping tigers and other animals in their natural state, and educating people about conservation in order to save these beautiful cats and to prevent them from becoming anismals that are only found in captivity.

Saving Pandas: This new series takes a look at those creatures who are most under threat and what is being done to help them.
Cute, cuddly and completely misunderstood. Introducing Pandas.

Koalas: The Real Story

Written by: Mark Norman
Black Dog Books

Koalas may look cute and cuddly, but lots of things about them are strange.
They have two thumbs per hand, rarely need to drink water, and can survive on poisonous leaves.

Here is the real story!

Fiction

Mr Moonlight

Written by: Jane Carroll
Illustrated by: Anne Spudvilas
Puffin Books

Something is making a weird noise under the house at night. It;s not a possum, or a rat. What is it? Tom can’t wait to find out.

Picture Fiction

Something About Water

Written by: Penny Matthews
Illustrated by: Tom Jellett
Omnibus Books

Just about everybody I know recycles stuff. They say they’re MAKING A DIFFERENCE. They say they’re helping to SAVE THE PLANET. Most books for children about the environment are either scary or too ‘worthy’ for words. Here at last is a clever, funny, informative book to inspire kids. Water isn’t exactly a new idea, and everyone should know about the water cycle, but in this book readers will discover, through a child’s eyes, the real magic and importance of water. Penny Matthews’ warm and clever text and Tom Jellett’s wonderful comic-strip illustrations make this simply the best book about the environment for kids in the market today. Small things can make a big difference.

Non-fiction

The Great Barrier Reef Book: Solar Powered

Written by: Mark Norman
Black Dog Books

The Great Barrier Reef is so huge it can be seen from space! And the whole thing runs on solar power. This beautifully presented book takes a look inside one of the natural wonders of the world, introducing young readers to some of the wondrous creatures that live within it. It likens the reef to a gigantic forest powered by the sun and teeming with life, a biodiversity that is sadly threatened by global warming. The book offers many suggestions on what each of us can do to help prevent this.

Picture Fiction

Nyuntu Ninti (What you should know)

Written by: Bob Randall, Melanie Hogan
ABC Books

In this beautiful photographic book for young children, Bob Randall explains, in a simple but effective way, the Anangu people’s relationship to all that is around them, and why we must learn to care for the earth, its plants and its creatures.

Permaculture Gardens: Sow, Grow, Care, Share

Written by: Kellie Bollard
Kellie Bollard

Come on a journey of discovery through the garden and learn how everything plays it’s part in a permacuture garden. From compost and chickens to lizards and frogs – this book will inspire children of all ages to get out and start gardening today! Permaculture Gardens; Sow, Grow, Care, Share is proudly printed in Australia on recycled paper.

Worms: The Mechanics of Organics

Written by: Kellie Bollard
Kellie Bollard

A bright, fun and informative rhyming story that explores the world of worms and the part they play in recycling organic waste; in the garden, in compost and in worm farms.

Non-fiction

What's the Issue?: Endangered Australian Animals

Written by: Greg Reid
Macmillan Education Australia

Provides an informed, unbiased review of some of Australia’s most topical issues: social, environmental, economic and political. Complex issues are written clearly and simply, without bias or prejudice.

What's the Issue?: Great Barrier Reef Under Threat

Written by: Julie Murphy
Macmillan Education Australia

Great Barrier Reef Under Threat explores the debate about protecting this unique ecosystem. It provides an informed, unbiased review of this topical environmental issue.