This diverse collection of highly illustrated nonfiction books is for children and their families who enjoy the outdoors, are interested in sustainable living, or who simply love nature!
Slow Down and Be Here Now by Laura Brand & Freya Hartas (illus.)
This is a beautifully illustrated book that focuses on the minutiae of cycles in nature, such as a honey bee pollinating a flower, a shoot unfurling from a plant, and a snail taking a drink of water. Perfect for those who want kids to get outside and appreciate nature more, and truly a delightful gift.
Ages 5 and up.
The Muddy Chef by Penny Whitehouse & Emma Bear
This is a book with a difference – a cookbook with mud, flowers and leaves that requires no actual cooking and definitely no eating. But the creative, outdoor play that is fostered through these ‘recipes’ and activities is absolutely delightful and will be adored by young children.
Ages 5 and up.
A is for Australian Reefs by Frané Lessac
The third of Lessac’s successful picture book series featuring Australian icons, this book does a deep dive into our reefs and the incredible biodiversity of life that calls them home. This is a highly illustrated alphabet book featuring diverse plants and animals, with simple text and then more information on certain topics.
Ages 3 and up.
Amazing Animal Journeys by Jennifer Cossins
This large format book features 25 incredible stories of animal migration from Australian animals and around the world. Packed with information, Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins' illustrations are distinctive and the accompanying facts are equally engrossing.
Ages 7 and up.
The Magic of Flight by Nicola Davies & Lorna Scobie (illus.)
Award-winning author Nicola Davies has created a brilliant book about all the creatures that fly – insects, birds, bees, bats, butterflies and many more. This is a coffee table book that will have readers utterly absorbed.
Ages 7 and up.
Wonderful Wasps by Katrina Germein & Suzanne Houghton (illus.)
This picture book focuses on just one flying creature, the wasp, and the 12,000 species that are found in Australia alone. Written by award winning author Katrina Germain and published by the CSIRO, this is a beautiful nonfiction storybook that will make readers appreciate the diversity and beauty of Australian wasps.
Ages 5 and up.
It’s the Journey Not the Destination by Carl Honore and Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell (illus.)
This is an aspirational travel book with a difference – all the journeys are done by boat, bike, foot or train. Written by the godfather of the Slow Food movement, this is a book that celebrates taking your time getting to and exploring exotic locations including the Nile River, the Great Stones Way, and even the ancient city of Petra.
Ages 8 and up.
Bright New World by Cindy Forde & Bethany Lord (illus.)
An optimistic look at the sustainability challenges facing planet earth, this book looks to the future and imagines a world where we have solar-powered vehicles and buildings, insect-based protein and much more. Using technology already available or currently being developed, this is a book that highlights innovation and shows that a sustainable future is within our grasp.
Ages 8 and up.
Lore of the Land by Claire Cock-Starkey & Samantha Dolan (illus.)
This is a highly illustrated compendium of folklore about the natural landscape throughout the centuries. Divided into different landscapes such as mountains, rivers & streams, seas and oceans, and more, the book then explains how different cultures their formation, and their meaning in society. A stunning look at ancient folklore about nature.
Ages 6 and up.
Looking After Country With Fire by Victor Steffenson & Sandra Steffenson (illus.)
The book introduces the First Nations methods of fire management in simple language and highlights the importance of listening, observing and paying attention to the land.
Ages 5 and up.
Grow by by Rizaniño Reyes & Sara Boccaccini Meadows (illus.)
A gardening book with a difference, this is an illustrated introduction to some amazing plants and their importance, culturally and historically, along with instructions on how to grow them. Including tomatoes, pumpkins, mushrooms, daffodils and many more, this book is jam-packed with information.
Ages 6 and up.
Five Minute Nature Stories by Gabby Dawnay & Mona X (illus.)
These are delightful nature stories to read-aloud to youngsters to encourage a love of the natural environment. Written by popular picture book author, Gabby Dawnay, these stories are both informative and fun to read.
Ages 4 and up.
