AustLit

Abstract: The animals of Australia are amazing! Find out what some of them look like and where you might see them. Whether you're on a trip to a national park or relaxing in a comfortable spot, you'll love dipping into this book. It includes 55 national parks and reserves and is full of up-to-date fascinating facts for more than 120 animal species, large and small.

Abstract: Matt saves a young galah and his growing attachment to the bird leads him to a greater concern - saving the huge gum trees on the recreation ground on which the birds perch.

Abstract: Children discover the Wolli Creek Valley south west of Sydney, New South Wales.

This picture book is based on a project between Nadia Wheatley and Ken Searle, and the Inter-school Harmony Committee. The text engages with Aboriginal knowledge to emphasise the value of 'land'.

According to Massey, Going Bush "offers readers pathways to sustainable futures" (p.35).

Abstract: When Hanna and her younger sister Zoe find a duckling with a broken leg in a nearby park, they are determined to nurse it back to health. But after doing so, they realise that an even greater threat to the duckling has appeared: 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 the duckling's parkland home be preserved? The book deals with issues of conservation and wildlife preservation in a touching way, and is accompanied by beautiful sketches and watercolour illustrations.

Abstract: Australia Zoo sends its red panda keeper, Vicki to spend some time researching the red panda in the wild. Bindi comes along to help out, and before long becomes embroiled in a fight to create the world's first protected sanctuary for the super-cute red panda.

Abstract: Pygmy Bluetongue Lizards were rediscovered near Burra, South Australia, Australia in 1992. Prior to this they had not been seen since the 1950’s. Thanks to research and conservation efforts, these little lizards can be found on some pastoral land and grasslands in the Aussie bush.

Abstract: Mitch Bird, the son of a wildlife ranger, lives in the Coorong - He rears a wild swan which becomes his constant companion and ultimately helps save his life. When Mitch discovers an abandoned swan's egg and takes it home, his park ranger father doesn't approve. But this proves to be the start of a heartwarming friendship.

This novel is set in Coorong National Park, South Australia.

Abstract: A bird drops a seed to the floor of the forest. The seed grows into a sapling, then a tree. The tree is felled and taken to a busy city. Bird to Bird is the story of one bird, one seed, one tree.

A story about the lifecycle of a tree, whose timber is recycled and reused in various ways over a long period of time. While there is a theme of sustainability and re-use of materials, there is a sadness in the language when the tree is first cut down, and throughout the book: When growing is done, the tree leaves the forest [is chopped down] bound for the hungry city.

Abstract: This uses a cycling race theme to introduce primary students to the concept of treating and recycling wastewater.

Abstract: Glitch spends his life searching through mountains of mouldy mess at the dump. He wants to make the fastest billycart ever. This year, he will be competing in the Big Race! But will his twitch stop him from winning?

Glitch, a weevil, uses recycles rubbish from the dump to build a billycart. The illustrations of the rubbish heaps convey the vast waste left by people. The illustrator dedicated this book "To the eco-warriors - fighting to stop us rubbishing this planet."

Abstract: When you live in a village at the edge of the No-Go Desert, you need to make your own fun. That's when you and your brothers get inventive and build a bike from scratch, using everyday items like an old milk pot (maybe mum is still using it, maybe not) and a used flour sack. You can even make a numberplate from bark, if you want. The end result is a spectacular bike, perfect for going bumpity-bump over sandhills, past your fed-up mum and right through your mud-for-walls home.

The central themes of a The Patchwork Bike are resourcefulness and recycling. Full teacher's notes are available here.

Abstract: This play deals in a humorous vein with the more serious issues of recycling. The paper inhabitants of an office are brought to life and given a voice as to what should occur when they have outlived their conventional usefulness. Percival P. Paper and Cornelia Cardboard give voice to their continued usefulness and, after Percival's initial prejudices are overcome, combine to force the tyrannical Malpractice Mainmongrel of Monopolizing Megalomaniacs to introduce recycling into the 5000 floors of the building, by organising a recycling riot in which the entire building is engulfed in paper.

Abstract: A trio discover a set of environmental problems faced by the children and animals in the cities and surrounding countryside. Readers are also introduced to the local "Pemulung" or scrap collectors in an attempt to explain their very simple and essential role in the process of scrap collecting and recycling on the island.

This book is part of the Clean Bali series.

Abstract: Mr Fowler, Robbie's teacher at school, explains how the water cycle works, and says theres a lot kids can do to help the planet. This book shows how small things can make a big difference.

Abstract: No one believes there's treasure at the tip at the end of the street, but Carl and Minie do. They've found old bicycles, harpsichords and flying machines. One day they find a different kind of treasure - an old man. And they decide to take him home. The treasure he brings Carl and Minnie is beyond measuring, because it's the most precious of all - the everlasting kind.

For further reading, see Trash Aesthetics and Utopian Memory: The Tip at the End of the Street and The Lost Thing by Kerry Mallan for a discussion on trash, waste management, and recycling in The Tip at the End of the Street and The Lost Thing.

Abstract: This is a story about a girl called Hannah and the different things that she finds when searching for treasure in recycling and disposal areas.

Abstract: The old milk bar on the corner is coming down to make way for something new. Little Davey Durak is gathering scrap  a short piece of wood here, a long piece there. But what's Davey building? Big Bruce the Builder wants to know, but Davey won't tell...

Abstract: An alienating city street gradually becomes a place to call home. Little by little, baby Tracy grows. She and her neighbours begin to rescue their street. Together, children and adults plant grass and trees and bushes in the empty spaces. They paint murals over old graffiti. They stop the cars. Everything begins to blossom. Belonging explores the re-greening of the city: the role of community, the empowerment of people and the significance of children, family and neighbourhood in changing their urban environment. The streets gradually become places for safe children's play, and community activity and places for nature and wonder.

Abstract: Based on the true environmental success story of Barren Box Swamp. Bizi the Musk Duck cannot believe his swamp is dying. How can he leave his beautiful home? How can it be saved?

At first the animals of Barren Box Swamp are concerned about the presence of trucks in their wetlands, but it seems humans have come to help restore the wetlands. This is based on the story of the Barren Box Storage and Wetlands environmental project to save water and conserve the environment. More information on this project, as well as musk ducks, is available at the back of the book.

Abstract: A little boy finds a seedling growing on the roof. He saves it, cares for it and when it grows big enough, he plants it out in his yard. Many years later, the seedling has grown into a giant fig tree that has become a part of family history and a local landmark. But one day a huge storm comes ....

Abstract:The people of Milltown are concerned when council bulldozers move in to construct a new dam. Mill City needs more water, so a dam must be built. But why disturb the peace of Milltown? What will happen to the platypuses in Mill Creek when the water level rises, and to the animals that inhabit the rainforest when the trees are removed? With the passing of time all these questions are answered and the platypuses return to a new, larger lake. But, for the people of Milltown, life has changed forever.

A powerful picture book designed as a collection of letters between neighbours, journalists and council members about the environmental impact of a newly constructed dam. While the habitat of platypuses and koalas is heavily impacted, the new dam also offers an alternative areas for the species to live, though not without significant cost.

Abstract: This is a children's educational picture book that looks at the history of an outback waterhole in the Australian desert. The book looks at how the waterhole developed over the years and the abundant wildlife that is attracted to it.

This book tracks the waterhole as it develops, is inhabited temporarily by Aboriginal people, settled by white people and farmed with cattle. An environmentalist then looks at the waterhole and proceeds to convince the farmer to regenerate the waterhole. It details how this is done, and emphasises the importance of conservation. The narrative also conveys the knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal people taking only what they needed from land, and moving on without destroying the waterhole habitat.

Abstract: Uno builds a home and garden in the magnificent forest among the playful puddlebuts and feathered frinklepods, but as the place becomes more and more popular, it is overtaken by tourists and buildings until the forest and animals seem to disappear altogether.

Abstract: Once, the only sounds to be heard were the buzzing of bees in the grass, the murmuring of moles in the earth, and the song of birds in the sky. These warmed the hearts of those who cared to listen – until the others came to fill the sky with buildings and the air with a cacophony of noise. With dramatically lit artwork and a spare, intriguing text, Varmints tells of a pastoral world in need of protection and of the souls who love it enough to ensure its regeneration.

Abstract: Amelia Ellicott lives with her cat Mustafah, next door to a block of flats, She is proud of her garden and her chickens, but she has no one to share them with...Until one day a storm destroys it all and Amelia discovers the value of friendship.

Amelia is unhappy to see that over time her local neighbourhood has transformed from houses to apartment buildings with limited gardens and green spaces around. Unknown to her, the neighbours are envious of her vegetables and gardens. After a storm, she allows the neighbours to help her move her garden and a community develops around the garden. 

Abstract: An alienating city street gradually becomes a place to call home. Little by little, baby Tracy grows. She and her neighbours begin to rescue their street. Together, children and adults plant grass and trees and bushes in the empty spaces. They paint murals over old graffiti. They stop the cars. Everything begins to blossom. Belonging explores the re-greening of the city: the role of community, the empowerment of people and the significance of children, family and neighbourhood in changing their urban environment. The streets gradually become places for safe children's play, and community activity and places for nature and wonder.

Abstract: There was once a tiny man who loved apple pie, and the apples from his orchard - tart and sweet and clear - made the perfect filling. When his orchards are crowded out by a growing city, he learns how to transform his altered world so he can continue to bake the perfect apple pie. An inspiring story about urban greening and creative adaptation to change.

After the city impedes the tiny man from growing his orchard, he looks for water, sunlight and clean crisp air in the city. He finds places to plant seeds 'higgledy-piddledy' around the city. Some time goes by, and trees can be seen sprouting all over the city, including on top of buildings and from inside polluting chimneys. The tiny man sells his apples and shows other people how to grow them too. While the tiny man has lost his farm, he has transformed the city into a green space once again.

Sustainable living and community, and sustainability themes can be found in this book. 

Abstract: When Mae has to move house from the country to the city, she feels lonely and sad - until she discovers a beautiful place full of green in the centre of Paris. What she finds there sparks something special and beautiful that will make her feel much more at home.

When Mae moves house she tries to bring nature with her, she draws flowers, insects, birds and other animals and plants on the building around her, and the cardboard boxes used during the move, but these illustrations keep disappearing. When she finds an indoor garden, she takes a sample plant back to her home and proceeds to help it grow. This turns into a community garden near her house. She has made friends whom she teaches to garden, and no longer feels sad.

Abstract: Jesse and Lewis want to grow their own fruit and veggies, just like people do on a farm. They're going to dig and build, plant and grow, and when they're finished they're going to have a feast!

Abstract: A story about gratitude, community and eating locally, from a bestselling picture-book maker.

Abstract: Way up north, lightning flashes, thunder rolls, and frogs sing a chorus. Big fella rain coming.

This picture book is a celebration of nature, the seasons and rain. As the wet season begins, the narrative follows the rain drops unto land, showing the impact it has on the ecosystem and animal life it supports. It is illustrative of biodiversity and sustainability.

Abstract: The Captain Plop series contains three books about water-saving, desalination and sewerage. It is published by the South Australian Water Corporation.

Abstract: Water tumbles inside clouds, drifts as snowflakes, collects in puddles. Water creeps up the stems of sunflowers and slips down the throats of tigers. Where does this marvellous liquid come from? How does it behave? Why is it so important? Well-known science writer Meredith Hooper tells the amazing story of water on our Earth. Beginning before the Earth was formed and continuing to the present day, the dramatic narrative explains the nature of water and the water cycle, and the collection between water and the development of life on our planet. 

Imagines the infinite cycle of water as it traverses the continents, oceans, as it is consumed by animals, evaporated, becomes rain, and finally comes out of a tap into a boy’s glass – ‘the drop in my drink’. The back of the book contains factual information on water, as well as a section titled ‘Looking after water’, which describes the dependency on water of every living thing. It also notes the impact that industry and agriculture have had on water, and calls for the readers to preserve the precious resource.

Abstract: Follow the mighty Murray River from the mountains to the sea on an epic journey with Roland Harvey and his pelican friend, in this glorious picture book full of humorous, intricate illustrations and fascinating information. Roland Harvey and his new pelican friend are off on an adventure to walk, fish, canoe, raft, windsurf, sail, paddle-steam, houseboat and even fly their way along the Murray River, from its smallest beginnings in the high country to where it meets the sea. Together they discover the story of the river: its secrets, history, ecology, people and animals. And you're invited, too!

On the River is about the Murray River and shows the significant impact of humans on the river and the life it supports.

Abstract: So begins an imaginary journey from the city to the sea. From factories to farmlands, freeways to forest, each new landscape is explored through stunning illustrations and poetic text from this award-winning picture-book creator.

The river runs through a city, which is depicted with heavy air pollution from cars and industrial buildings, which are also leaking waste into the river. It is clear that as the rivers progresses further from human habitation, it becomes cleaner and the environment around it grows greener, thicker, with greater numbers of wildlife.

Abstract: Karanda Hooke doesn’t need anybody or anything. On her way to her sixth foster home, a crash leaves her stranded in the desert with only a backpack, a bottle of water and a stained picture of the mother she hasn’t seen in years. But although there’s no civilisation for miles and miles, for the first time, she feels like she is where she belongs, like she has a future ahead of her. There’s only one thing in her way . . . eight-year-old Solomon. As the two children make their way through the outback, Karanda and Solomon have a few lessons to learn about the ties that bind us—and one link that might come as the biggest surprise of all.

Two children learn to survive in the desert, including hunting and surviving on bush food. Water is scarce throughout the novel but still a central theme and presents itself in a variety of ways: rain, floods, empty water bottles and of course thirst.

Abstract: Rick is coming to visit again. But will he recognise the farm? Will he have as much fun as last time? Same friend. Same farm. Totally different landscape.

Two Summers shows the stark differences in a landscape between two summers, one before, and one after a drought. The impact on both humans and animals is shown.

Abstract: As ever growing numbers of animals visit a watering hole, introducing the numbers from one to ten, the water dwindles...

Each page contains a cut out circle to replicate the waterhole, upon turning each page it becomes obvious that the circle and therefore the waterhole is becoming smaller.  Following ’10 kangaroos’, the next double paged spread simply states ‘And all the animals went away.’ The landscape is grey, deteriorated and dead. There are still hidden animals in the illustrations but they are all extinct species. While the book is primarily about the cyclical nature of seasons and the weather, droughts and floods, etc, the presence of human habitation in the top left hand corner may suggest humans are at least impacting such events.

Abstract: The spare text and bold illustrations celebrate the wonder of water on every continent on earth.

The Wonder Thing is all about water and how it provides for an impacts all humans, animals and plants. The animals in the illustrations are often drawn to look directly at the reader, seemingly imploring readers to understand the necessity of the resource for all life.