AustLit

Abstract: The sea turtles are disappearing from their habitat on the Queensland coast. It's up to the five friends to solve the mystery of where the turtles could have gone. Perhaps someone or something has snatched them away. Thanks to their rainbow necklace, the girls are taken back in time and given some important information by a famous Australian explorer. Can the girls save the day? With some clever advertising and a beach rescue only time will tell.

Abstract: This is a story of a plastic bag and a bird - a cautionary tale about taking care of our environment as well as being a wonderful showcase of some of the famous sights of Sydney. 'One day, a long time ago when I lived in Kirribilli, Sydney, I packed a lunch and set out to walk to the Botanic Gardens ...I crossed the harbour bridge then climbed down to Circular Quay. I walked beside the sea wall, past the Opera House until I reached the Botanic Gardens. And this is what I saw.'

A story about the dangers of plastic bags, and other rubbish that impacts birds. An ibis is caught with a plastic around its neck after a boy's sandwich bag was taken by the wind. The bird tries to fly with it around his neck, and almost drowns, until a man rescues the bird. The man is considered heroic and brave. This book could be used for the cross-curriculum priority - sustainability.

Abstract: Sam walked along the top of the sand-hill, looking out over the rocks and sea. Then he paused, suddenly still, and stared down at the beach below. A dark mound marked the white sand at the water's edge. He squinted. A heap of net... some ship's cargo washed in... an upturned boat?

This story is about a boy's determination to help a stranded Pygmy Sperm Whale, and his efforts to keep it wet and protected from the sun until the tide comes in.

Abstract: Based on a true account, Deepsea Whale Rescue brings to life the story of a mother whale's courageous defence of her calf against attack by a pod of killer whales. But once mother and calf are safe, divers watching from a nearby launch can see the adult whale has another problem, this one caused by humans: life-threatening entanglement in nylon ropes.

This beautiful picture book illustrates the trauma and stress endured by sea life affected by human negligence. It includes a realistically difficult attempt to assist a whale determined to protect her calf from humans.

Abstract: With a storm on the way, Peter slips outside to cover his rabbits. But tonight there is something different in the air, and eerie calls in the darkness. Is something watching him? On the grass, beyond the rabbit hutch, he sees a strange humped shape - and suddenly, it moves!

The story of a child who rescues a baby owl from a feral cat.

Abstract: Mozz and Leo take off in the SkyTiger with a load of vaccine darts to inoculate and protect the gorillas in Africa. But before they can locate all the secluded groups of primates and decide what to do with a seriously sick gorilla, they must deal with ruthless poachers.

This story is part of Jackie French's Animal Rescue series.

Abstract: Tiny Jeremy is only a few days old when he falls out of his nest and is brought home by the family cat. Luckily, Jeremy is a fighter and he loves to eat. Little by little he grows stronger and stronger, until the time comes when he must say goodbye. This delightful story about raising and rearing a baby kookaburra is based on a true story.

Abstract: Paddy O'Melon is the endearing story of a young rainforest kangaroo. Separated from his mother as a young joey, Paddy is found and raised by an Irish family who live in the rainforest and often help orphaned or injured animals. But while Paddy loves his new human family, he's curious to find out what he really is. So, he sets out on a journey into the rainforest where he meets a range of other interesting animals, from musky rat-kangaroos to green tree frogs, from ringtail possums to flying-foxes. But all he really wants is to be reunited with his mother and his own kind. Perhaps the cassowary can tell this little red-legged pademelon who he really is and take him safely home?

This picture book features a large number of animals essential to the biodiversity of Far North Queensland. The Authors Notes state that some species (e.g. Herbert River ringtail possum) can only be found in this area. Many of the animals encountered by the pademelon are vulnerable or endangered, including the southern cassowary. The story highlights the vulnerability of the rainforest, even the impact that a small act of unleashing pet dogs can have on the wildlife. Wildlife carers play a large role in this story.

Abstract: Much of Penelope's story is true. Mountain Pygmy Possums do hibernate, the male does go down the mountain to warmer regions in the winter, and a 'tunnel of love' has been built to help them return safely to their mates.

The home of anthropomorphic mountain pygmy possums is threatened by urban road expansion and construction. Penelope, a mountain pygmy possum, seeks the help of a wildlife ranger who proposes to have a tunnel built beneath the road to allow the pygmy possums to continue their feeding and mating habits.

The mountain pygmy possum is a threatened species.

Abstract: Puggle the orphaned baby echidna is taken to a tall house on a hill to live with lots of other rescued bush animals. Little by little, he thrives and grows, until the time comes for him to return to the wild.

A baby echnidna's mother is hit by a car, and the baby is rescued by a wildlife carer. The images focus on the puggle as he grows and develops. It also shows other injured animals in the house, and highlights the work and length of time it takes to rehabilitate animals and reintroduce them to their natural habitats. The illustrations only ever show animals, and the carer's hands, never the carer herself. 

Abstract: In the central desert of Australia, lives a small nocturnal marsupial group called mala, that inhabits the Spinifex and hummock grasslands. Their numbers have declined since 1990s due to habitat destruction and predation. Warla the shy mala, tells how the Warlpiri people rescued her and now she lives in a safe environment.

Abstract: 'Bleak was the day and the wind whipped down when I and my sisters walked to town...'

So begins the story of three sisters who find a whale stranded on a windswept beach and try to save it. With a powerful, poetic text, wonderful to read aloud, and illustrations full of life and movement, Storm Whale celebrates the majesty and vulnerability of nature and out place in it.

Three sisters attempt to assist a beached whale, but a ferocious storm drives them indoors. Overnight, the storm appears to have aided the whale to reenter the ocean and swim away. The beach is newly littered with rubbish.

Abstract: In 2006, off the coast of Busselton, Western Australia, a world-first rescue attempt was made to save one hundred beached whales. Locals worked in with conservation officers to return all but one whale to the ocean. This is the story of one little whale, and the boy who risked his own life to save him.

Abstract: One day, Simone's dad rescues a tiny baby wombat. Her dad and mum know how much work's involved, but Simone is confident she can rear the little creature herself. Simone is as good as her word and, as Wilhelmina grows and grows, the two become inseparable. Adventures follow involving the family cat, Wilhelmina mistaking Dad for Simone, with surprises all round, and flying in Dad's aeroplane. The time comes, though, when a tough decision has to be made - one that will change Wilhelmina's life and Simone's world.

Abstract: Mouse by name, mouse by nature. Mouse is not prepared for her last-minute stay at Aunt Evie’s. How will she cope at a new school without her parents around? But before Mouse has even unpacked her suitcase, she makes a new friend – a wombat called Miss Pearl! Suddenly, being in a strange cottage doesn’t seem so bad, especially when she can snuggle up with a wombat. Mouse soon learns that not everyone in the area loves wombats, including Aunt Evie’s landlord, a sheep farmer who destroys them on sight. Can Mouse find her voice in time to keep her furry friends safe?

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Join Banjo, Matilda and Ned on a magical adventure into the Australian native landscape via a series of historic, beautifully-rendered botanical paintings. Entering the pages of their favourite book, the children interact with all manner of Australian flora including Kangaroo Paw, Wattle and Eucalypt. Along the way, these intrepid warriors seek 'tips' to ensure the survival of our native landscape for generations to come. Can these eco-warriors help save our native flora from extinction?

This book combines modern photography with historical artworks from the archives of the National Library. It also includes interesting facts about Australian flora, as well as floral emblems and birth months, and further ideas on how to keep Australian green.

Abstract: "You're 14. You want to put a stop to the killing of whales around the world, but there are powerful forces against you - business and political leaders, even whole countries. If you could just get 40 000 people to sign a petition. If you could just go to Alaska and address the International Whaling Commission. If you could just address the Democratic Party in Japan and set up an international organisation called Teens Against Whaling. No Way?"

Eco-Warrior is the story of a how a young Indigenous Australian girl, Skye Bortoli, wouldn't take no for an answer, when she knew the cause was right. At 14, Skye went to Alaska, to Japan, created an online community of young people around the world opposed to the whaling industry, won citizenship awards. And the work continues.

Abstract: Anne Morgan tells the tale of the creatures of the Glow Worm Cave and the people of the nearby village. Some of them want to continue blasting the nearby limestone quarry to make concrete for buildings. Some of them want to protect the cave and the secrets that lie within.

Protestors, with the help of a child with ancestral ties to the Glow Worm Cave, succeed in stopping mining of the caves. Memory, ties to the land, and conservation are strong themes in this picture book.

Abstract: Guarding Eden tells the personal stories of twelve ordinary people who were so concerned about climate change that they altered their lives to do something about it. Some did quiet backroom work in research, drafted submissions or wrote to politicians; others decided to go public, really public - one was part of the team occupying a 160-metre power-plant chimney, one went on a hunger strike publicised around the world, another started the Lock the Gate Alliance. They come from all walks of life: there's a nurse, a musician, an insurance broker, a teacher, a lawyer, a vet. Surprisingly touching, Guarding Eden makes an issue as complex and controversial as climate change feel human and deeply real.

Suitable for older readers.

Abstract: Jack in England writes to his Australian penpal Nicole, who describes the ancient tropical rainforest near her home in Millaa Millaa, Queensland. Includes factual information about Australian, and the importance of rainforest protection. 

The text is told in letters between Jack and Nicole, the latter whom details the progress of activists and protestors trying to save the Millaa Millaa tropical rainforest from land clearers and farmers. It covers many themes including sustainability.

Abstract: 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.

Sequel to Dreamcatcher.

Abstract: Steve Irwin's sudden and tragic death made headline news around the world. Shock and grief followed. The world lost a man of heroic proportions. A man who as the Crocodile Hunter touched and changed lives everywhere. "Wildlife Warrior" charts Steve Irwin's amazing life - from his childhood catching snakes in Victoria, Australia, through to his work in the wilderness and in his zoo. It follows his love story with his wife Terri and his rise to fame. A down-to-earth adventurer with a love of all animals, he was passionate about wildlife conservation, life and his family. The book details his lesser-known work saving endangered habitats and furthering knowledge of crocodile behaviour, as well as his many adventures in the bush and further afield.

The Animal Rescue series by Jackie French is about an eco-conscious girl nicknamed Mozz. The series follows her as she goes on adventures to help rescue animal, often endangered ones. There are references to recycling and sustainable living, and conservation. There are four books in the series:

• Elephant Alert

• Gorilla Grab

• Tiger Tangle

• Shark Attack

The Aussie Angels series contains over twenty books and contains stories about humans and animals working together, animal rescue, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Examples:

• Hello Possum!

• Operation Wombat

• Leap Frog

A series about animal rescue and species conservation.

Examples:

• Tazzie Devil : Double Trouble
• Bluegum Christmas: A Miracle at Sassafras Creek

Bindi Irwin, daughter of wildlife warrior Steve Irwin is featured in two book series that deal primarily with wildlife rescue and conservation:

• Bindi Wildlife Adventures

• Bindi Behind the Scenes

• The Lost World Circus

• Mission Fox

Examples:

• Rainforest Camp

• Zookeeper for a Day

The Lulu Bell series is about family, friendship and animals. Many of the books in the series deal with animal rescue and protecting wildlife.

Examples

• Lulu Bell and The Fairy Penguin includes injured penguins, and threats to their habitats.
• Lulu Bell and the Tiger Cub includes veterinarians and injured animals.
• Lulu Bell and the Koala Joey deals with habitat destruction of koalas.
• Lulu Bell and the Sea Turtle in which Lulu helps a sea turtle and learns about water pollution.

See here for more books in the series. Teacher's notes for the series are available on the publisher's website.

The Ruthie's Wildlife series is about Ruthie and her wildlife scientist parents.

There are presently three books in the series:

• The Vanishing Frogs of Cascade Creek

• Saving Wombats

• Red-tail Recovery

Examples:

• Violet Mackerel's Natural Habitat

• Violet Mackerel's Pocket Protest

Abstract: This book is an action-packed adventure with an amazing mob of animal eco-warriors as they use their special talents to help solve our planet’s environmental problems!

Abstract: Chip, like most other gulls, would do anything for fish and chips. When he's banned from his favourite food, he is desperate to get it back on the menu. So Chip hatches a brilliant idea to solve his problem... but has he gone too far this time? (Source: back cover)

While this picture books tells a humorous story of an aero-acrobatic seagull who loves eating fish and chips, it highlights the pervasive environmental issue of birds and animals becoming reliant on human food, which is unhealthy for them, and the problems that occur when that food source is taken away from them. At the close of the book, the food truck owner compromises and begins feeding the birds fresh fish, rather than chips.

Abstract: On a tiny island lives a waddle of Little Penguins. But their numbers are dwindling. Swampy Marsh knows what to do, but no one will listen. Soon he can count the last few penguins on the fingers of one hand. The desperate townsfolk give Swampy, and his friends Max and Oddball, one chance.

'Will his ‘Oddball’ solution work? Will Swampy save the Little Penguins of Middle Island?

'A warmly funny account of one man’s quest to save a penguin colony, with two very unusual helpers.'

A man trains two dogs to help keep foxes and wild dogs away from the dwindling penguin population on Middle Island.

Abstract: The Reckoning destroyed civilisation and humanity has had to rise from the ashes. But there are now people with abilities - Flyers, Firestarters, Rumblers - and society is scared of them. The government calls them Illegals. Ashala Wolf protects a group of Illegals. They hide together in the Firstwood and she'll do anything to keep them safe. When Ashala is captured, she realises she has been betrayed by someone she trusted. Now she only has herself. But when Neville starts digging in her memories for information, she doubts she can protect her people forever...will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?

The people of the Tribe have an affinity with the fauna of Firstwood, and they have made a pact with 'nature' for the good of the tribe and nature. Characters also take names of animals and have, or, develop an affinity with that animal.

Abstract: Alex's grandfather was always fighting for one cause or another, but after a strange 'out of body' experience Alex decides to join him in an effort to save the bush for native animals.

In The Other Side, humans and animals work together to learn to cope with the threat of introduced species. See the National Museum of Australia for useful resources for discussing environmental activism, Australian animals and introduced species in the classroom.

Abstract: The Bushwalk is a story I hope will encourage children to explore whatever natural environment may be accessible to them, a reserve, a park or their own backyard. The animals featured are common across a wide range of habitats in Australia.

After an appearance of the narrator on the first double page spread, there is no more evidence of humans in or impacting the bush in this story. Each page shows a new animal in its bush habitat, and includes a brief fact or two about the animal. The closing page states: "The bush is an amazing place, just look, just listen. What will you discover there?"

Abstract: Milly trundles through the trees, wildflowers bending in the breeze. If there's just a chance of ants, Millie's nose will do its dance. But just why does Millie the echidna adore ants?

A girl follows Millie the echidna through her house, backyard and into the bush. Millie is following a trail of ants, her source of food to nourish herself and her baby. The girl does not disturb the echidna or the ants, even though they are everywhere in her house, e.g. beneath the bath, in pot plants, and so on.

Abstract: It's hard to see the big picture when you're a child, but then it's much easier to see the really small things - insects, lichen, coloured leaves and tiny mushrooms. And it's fun to point out something that others can't see or don't even notice as they hurry past. This is an artful exploration of the bustling world of nature usually unseen and unobserved.

Abstract: 'On a perfect day, the hours stretch endlessly ahead...' Danny Parker's evocative verse expresses the freedom of an idyllic childhood, and paintings by Freya Blackwood magically evoke the light, scents and feel of a perfect summer day.

The children in Perfect spend the day venturing further from their home and being outdoors in idyllic, pastoral settings. The illustrations show joy in being in nature. The youngest child, a girl, is often the most connected to nature, as she is the one who is playing with leaves, feathers, touching the animals. She is also the most wistful at the end of the day when the rain has come, she is perched, kneeling, with her hands pressed against the window, looking outside.

Abstract: The story of Waa-gun is one of many ancestral stories told to Ugarapul children to educate and enlighten them. This is a story of humility and respect for all people and the environment in which we live.

Abstract: From boulders to bee hives, from mountains to coral, Brownyn Bancroft explores the shapes that form our land.

Shapes of Australia illustrates beautiful and unique ways to view the land, and see shapes and colour in the environment.

Abstract: A sad lady finds an unusual, spotty flower in her garden and is inspired to paint spotty dots on her cups, all over her kitchen and then all over her house. Soon she paints her way into the lives and hearts of all the people in her street and her street becomes the happiest in the neighbourhood.

A lady derives artistic inspiration from nature, which leads to increased happiness and friendship.

Abstract: Tessa and Zachary have a machine that is swift and splendiferous. Every day it carries them from here to there and back again in cool calm comfort. But one morning, the machine breaks down. Tessa and Zachary are forced to venture into the world beyond its metal walls - a place of secret somethings and hidden happenings. Getting from here to there may never be the same.

Tessa and Zachary develop a love for the environment as they begin to observe and respect the natural habitats along their walking route to school.

Abstract: Little Iggy doesn't want to leave the house, but grandad insists - they always have fun together. What follows is a wonderful journey in the great Australian outdoors with singing birds, wallaby surprises, secret caterpillar messages and oodles of grandad humour.

The illustrations of this book show the diversity of wildlife in the bush, and the pleasure derived from simply being in nature. 

Abstract: We All Sleep is one of those books that bathes the reader in luscious colour! Ezekiel and Sally take us through an array of well-known Australian animals and their day-time behaviours, adeptly drawing all and sundry together at the end of the day to sleep underneath the stars, reinforcing our bond with nature. The beautiful illustrations are diverse and evocative for those of us who love Australian landscapes – from pink skies to green waves, purple hills and shady forests.

Abstract: Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. We are part of this land and the land is part of us. This is where we come from.

Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik.

Welcome to Country.

The beautiful illustrations of this work show the environment flourishing due to the Wurundjeri Peoples' deep connection with the land and respect for the environment.

Abstract: William plays a fun filled imaginative game with his family and the Australian bush creatures. Join William the Wild once again for an Australian wildlife adventure.

On a camping trip, William looks for Australian wildlife in the bush. As he finds them he asks his family why they do this or that to understand the animals, their behaviour and habitat. William then tries to copy the animals activity in order to better understand the wildlife around him. Empathy is a strong theme in this book. And while William and the animals are the main focus, the family in the background are shown to be knowledgeable and respectful of the bush.

Abstract: Simon takes a walk through the bush with his Nan and along the way finds out that things are not always what they seem.

Simon and his Nan are careful to observe flora and fauna without damaging or disrespecting the environment.

Abstract: The Blue Chameleon is a story of famine in the deep Sahara, the ozone hole over Antarctica, the dangerous legacy of a dead biologist - and Beui Ish-Mahel, the survivor of an ancient desert clan.

The Blue Chameleon is currently being adapted as a screenplay.

Abstract: Young Zeek, assistant to the museum's curator of amphibians, learns of the fate of what might have been the last Gastric-Brooding Frog, a unique Australian animal which scientists were keen to learn more from. Horrified as he is by the frog's death, Zeek is not about to give up. He is just one of many young scientists who has decided that he can do something about preserving Earth's endangered environmental heritage.

Abstract: Little Dolphin is a picture book that celebrates the level of intelligence and compassion that scientists are only now realising Dolphins possess, and explores the life of a young dolphin as it approaches adulthood. The text follows little dolphin from her difficult birth to her escape through the shark net that traps her mother. She is adopted by a pod that teach her the clicks and whistles of the dolphin language, They also teach her how to use tools (sea sponges) as few other creatures, apart from humans, can do. But when the time comes for her to leave the bay, the little dolphin finds she must use all her skills to help another dolphin that is drowning. Little Dolphin explores the new-found knowledge we have of these ancient sea mammals. Scientists believe that the system of clicks and whistles dolphins use is a language almost as extensive as our own.

Abstract: Mr and Mrs Possum were thought to be gone, sent running by logging, destruction and fire. But some scientists believed that there was a chance that they might come back, despite the crisis so dire. An unforgettably book set in verse, this beautifully illustrated text tells the story of the Victorian state faunal emblem - the Leadbeaters possum. Thought to be extinct, it was rediscovered and inspired great changes in the Victorian highlands that have protected its habitat.

This picture book explores the efforts of scientists to help the leadbeater's possum species survive. See other books by wildlife expert Tim Faulkner.

Abstract: Nim loves her island home and the animals she shares it with even while her scientist father is away doing research, but trouble is on the way and a new e-mail friend could be the only one who can help.

Nim's Island is part of a series, and has a film adaptation.

Abstract: Phasmid is the amazing true story of the Lord Howe Island Phasmid, or Stick Insect. Believed to be extinct for nearly 80 years, the phasmids were rediscovered on Balls Pyramid, a volcanic outcrop 23 kilometres off the coast of Lord Howe Island, Australia. News of their unbelievable survival made headlines around the world and prompted an extraordinary conservation effort to save this remarkable invertebrate. This wonderful tale captures the life of one of the world's most critically endangered invertebrates, from beginning life as an egg to surviving harsh environments and the hopeful return to their homeland, Lord Howe Island. Phasmid is a positive story about one species' incredible survival in a time of worldwide species decline.

Abstract: Pinquo is a fairy penguin, who can swim, skip and dive faster than the blink of an eye. When Pinquo is wounded, the children Kirsty and Tim take him to Dr Piper, and they all look after Pinquo until he is ready to go to sea. Later the penguin with the droopy walk and kinky flipper comes back into their lives, with his new family. When disaster strikes Sickle Bay, Pinquo leads a mad stampede of a thousand frenzied penguins, to save the townspeople.

Abstract: Follow Lily and sam on a scientific investigation to find the reason behind Sam's sick plant. Helped by Dr Wheaten, their investigation takes them through memories of their overseas holiday, a trip to their grandparents' farm and a visit to a real science laboratory. During their investigation, they learn about the importance of protecting Australia's crops from pests and diseases.

Notes: 

Plant Pest Investigation is a big book written for children to raise awareness of plant biosecurity issues. The big book is an educational tool with teachers' notes and supporting classroom activities available online.

Abstract: Sophie Scott is only nine years old, but she's going to Antarctica on an icebreaker with her dad, the ship's captain. During the voyage to Mawson Station and back, Sophie keeps a diary. She sees icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. She makes new friends, experiences the southern lights and even becomes stranded in a blizzard!

This picture book includes maps, histories of Antarctic explorers, and scientific information about ice breakers, animals found in the Antarctic and icebergs. There are illustrations and photographs throughout.

The author travelled to Antarctica as an Antarctic Arts Fellow in 2005.

Abstract: I am Turtle.

My eyes are black, my shell is green.

Wide ocean calls me, as I lie curled in the dark.

Tides roar in my blood, surf pounds in my heart.

A lyrical journey of the life of a Green Turtle from hatchling beneath the sand of a coral beach, through wanderings at sea, to adulthood and returning to lay eggs of its own. (Source: Back cover)

This picture book has a section on 'environmental information' that includes facts about Green Turtles and turtles in general, habitat destruction and pollution in the sea.