AustLit logo
CSIRO Publishing CSIRO Publishing i(A147744 works by) (Organisation) assertion
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

Works By

Preview all
1 y separately published work icon The Opal Dinosaur Yvonne Mes , Sylvia Morris (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2024 27863998 2024 single work picture book children's

'Millions of years ago, a small dinosaur falls and sinks into the earth. Their bones lie undiscovered, but these are not ordinary bones – they have transformed into something wonderful.

'The Opal Dinosaur explores the amazing discovery by miners of opalised dinosaur bones. Follow the journey as the bones are protected, forgotten and then finally identified as an exciting new species!

'With engaging text by Yvonne Mes and delightful illustrations from Sylvia Morris, The Opal Dinosaur will fascinate and captivate readers.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Oceans at Night Vanessa Pirotta , Cindy Lane (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2024 27845754 2024 single work information book children's

'As night-time nears, a world of creatures come alive in our oceans.

'Settle in and explore the wonderful world under the waves, and see what animals do from sunset to sunrise. From penguins to sharks, giant squid and plankton, discover the fascinating after-dark lives of ocean creatures.

'Oceans at Night showcases the beauty and wonder of life below the sea, so dive deep and discover what happens while you sleep!

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Plantabulous : More A to Z of Australian Plants Catherine Clowes , Rachel Gyan (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2024 27845710 2024 single work information book children's

'Did you know that Australia is home to the most ‘venomous’ plant in the world? That there are plants in Australia that strangle other plants to death, and some with seeds pods that explode, shooting seeds far and wide? Or that some Australian plants can dry out and shrivel up so much, they look dead, but then come back to life when they get wet?

'Plantabulous! presents 26 iconic and unique native plants for you to discover in your local park, bushland or even your own backyard! Filled with fabulous facts, activities and illustrations, Plantabulous! will prove just how fabulous Australia’s native plants really are!' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Sensational Australian Animals Stephanie Owen Reeder , Cher Hart (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2024 27133385 2024 single work information book children's

'Explore the fascinating world of native Australian animals through the five basic senses ― sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.

'Covering more than 145 truly astounding animals ― from sharp-eyed whale sharks to sticky-bellied green tree frogs ― Sensational Australian Animals showcases the strange things these creatures can do with their eyes, ears, noses, mouths and skin! Meet birds that laugh, frogs that quack and fish that sing. Discover mammals that glow in the dark and seahorses disguised as seaweed. Be surprised by turtles that breathe through their bums and squirm at lizards that clean their eyes with their tongues. And then there's the dangerous creatures that bite and sting!

'Be intrigued, amazed and astonished by what insects, birds, spiders, fish and many other animals are capable of! Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 8 to 12.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Secrets of the Saltmarsh Claire Saxby , Alicia Rogerson (illustrator), Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 26643065 2023 single work information book children's

'You will find me where land meets sea…

'Saltmarshes are full of energy and life. They protect our coastlines, and provide food and shelter for migratory birds and microscopic plants and animals. Most of all, saltmarshes are places of discovery and wonder.

'With lyrical text and captivating illustrations Secrets of the Saltmarsh offers a close-up look at the fascinating world of saltmarsh wetlands.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Where Are All the Christmas Beetles? Suzanne Houghton , Suzanne Houghton (illustrator), Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 26642864 2023 single work information book children's

'Sparkling, brightly coloured Christmas beetles usually appear in the heat of December — a sign that the festive season has begun.

'But recently they have been hard to find. We aren’t seeing them in the eucalyptus trees, or dancing around lights at night. These shimmering, shiny beetles are disappearing from our summers. Where have they gone?

'Where Are All the Christmas Beetles? takes us on a lyrical discovery of these fascinating creatures and explores the possible reasons for their decrease in numbers.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Diprotodon : A Megafauna Journey Bronwyn Saunders , Andrew Plant (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 26505947 2023 single work picture book information book children's 'Diprotodon leaves the protection of his family herd to find his own place in the world. He is vulnerable, and survival will be challenging. Follow him as he discovers his surroundings and encounters other creatures along the way. Diprotodon: A Megafauna Journey features the largest marsupial that ever lived, and its Ice Age environment. This enthralling and fascinating story, with fabulous illustrations, brings this extinct giant back to life. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.' 

(Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Wollemi : Saving a Dinosaur Tree Samantha Ellen Tidy , Rachel Gyan (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 26505891 2023 single work picture book children's Deep in the forest, an ancient wonder is about to be found. Descended from a family of trees going back 200 million years, the Wollemi pine has survived ice, fire and the passing of many generations. Will a bushfire be the final threat to this living fossil? And how will we protect it, now that everyone wants a dinosaur tree? How can we make sure the Wollemi’s secret location is not discovered and damaged? Wollemi: Saving a Dinosaur Tree explains the unique and critically endangered status of the Wollemi pine and explores what actions can be taken today to contribute to the conservation of this rare and beautiful tree. Reading level varies from child to child, but were commend this book for ages 6 to 9. (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Alight Alight : A Story of Fire and Nature Sam Lloyd , Samantha Metcalfe (illustrator), Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 26019248 2023 single work picture book children's

'Fire is a natural part of the Australian bush. This is a story about that relationship ― fire that breathes life back into nature.

'Alight shares the story of Australian native plants and animals during a planned fire. Discover how the fire helps Christmas Bells grow new flowers and Wallum Banksia to open its woody seed capsules. Follow Antechinus and a tiny Wallum Sedge Frog as they face the danger of the fire ― and the challenges that come after. See how the bush recovers and flourishes after the fire, all under the watch of Old Eucalypt.

'With engaging text by Sam Lloyd, and stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe, Alight is a gentle exploration of the importance and benefits of healthy fire in the bush.' (Publication summary) 
1 y separately published work icon Quail, Buttonquail and Plains-Wanderer in Australia and New Zealand Joseph M. Forshaw , Fran Knight (illustrator), Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 25773352 2023 single work information book children's

'Although not closely related, quail, buttonquail and the Plains-wanderer have much in common. Quail, Buttonquail and Plains-Wanderer in Australia and New Zealand examines 14 species of these small, secretive ground-dwelling birds, including Old World and New World quail, the endangered Buff-breasted Buttonquail, the elusive Plains-wanderer and the extinct New Zealand Quail.

'Joseph Forshaw presents a comprehensive review of recent studies for these often hard to observe birds. Detailed species descriptions include key features, habitat, status, diet and breeding, along with information on eggs, calls and distribution. Each species is fully illustrated with exquisite colour identification plates by renowned wildlife artist Frank Knight. This is an essential reference for anyone fascinated by these elusive birds.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Life in a Hollow David Gullan , Suzanne Houghton (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 25674365 2023 single work picture book children's

'Who is home in the hollow?

'Tree hollows are very special places that provide animals, both big and small, with a space to nest and feel safe.

'Explore life in a tree hollow in the Australian bush and meet the native creatures who come to call a hollow a home. You'll be surprised just how many choose to move in!

'You'll also discover the important role tree hollows play in the environment and how we can help protect them. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.'(Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon The Forgotten Song : Saving the Regent Honeyeater Coral Vass , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 25674257 2023 single work picture book children's

'The song of the regent honeyeater has been heard in the bush for many generations - but could it soon be lost forever?

'Regent's father had learnt the song from his father, who learnt it from his father too. But with Regent's species now facing extinction, there is no one around to teach him. Regent tries to mimic the sounds of different birds but without success.

'Will Regent learn his mating call before it's too late? Or will his ancient song be forgotten forever?

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.'(Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Pollination : How Does My Garden Grow? Chris Cheng , Danny Snell (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 25424179 2023 single work information book children's 'A child’s day in the garden with their Gran and Pa leads to a wonderful exploration of pollination. Join them in discovering how pollination happens in our gardens and backyards, and the importance it has for our environment. Meet the animals involved in pollination and the plants that depend on pollination to produce our fruit, vegetables and even our clothes! Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9' 

(Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Animal Migrations : Flying, Walking, Swimming Diane Jackson Hill , Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 25323104 2022 single work information book children's

'Discover the exceptional and unusual migration journeys of all kinds of animals.

'A reindeer treks a continent under unimaginable weather extremes. One tiny bird flies non-stop for nine days, while another flies from the North to South Pole (and back!) every year. A whale swims through the oceans of a hemisphere.

'Animal Migrations: Flying, Walking, Swimming offers a fascinating insight into the what, where, why and how of these incredible journeys of survival. It explores the migrations of mammals, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans and aquatic microorganisms. Discover exceptional and unusual journeys, their effect on our world, and how we can help these migrating animals.

'The remarkable adventures covered in Animal Migrations show strength, determination, inbuilt knowledge and the importance of community across global connections.

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 8 to 12.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Wonderful Wasps Katrina Germein , Suzanne Houghton (illustrator), Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 24843253 2022 single work information book children's

'What do you know about wasps?

'There are wasps that shimmer in shades of bright blue and green. There are some without wings – and some almost too tiny to see. Some capture spiders, while others nest in fruit or mud.

'With over 12 000 species found in Australia, Wonderful Wasps brings the beauty and importance of native wasps to life, and reminds us every creature matters in its own wonderful way.

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Swifty : The Super-Fast Parrot Stephanie Owen Reeder , Astred Hicks (illustrator), Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 24805469 2022 single work picture book children's

'Fly with Swifty on the swift parrot's challenging migration journey following the blossom trail.

'A captivating story of the remarkable, but critically endangered, swift parrot – one of the fastest parrots in the world!

'Swifty grows from a hatchling to a fledgling in the blue-gum forests of Tasmania. She is then ready to make a challenging migration, following the blossom trail across Bass Strait to mainland south-eastern Australia.

'Swifty faces many threats and dangers, but she must return home. Will she make it?

'Fly with Swifty in this beautifully illustrated story, and learn how to spot a swift parrot and help protect them.

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Swoop Nicole Godwin , Susannah Crispe (illustrator), Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 24684054 2022 single work picture book children's 'Magpie has one job, one desire, one purpose: KEEP THEEGGS SAFE. Always on alert for danger, will Magpie’s determination be enough when rock-carrying intruders arrive? Why do magpies swoop and why do we have such a fascination with them? Discover more about these clever, cheeky and charming songbirds through this delightful book.'

 (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon On the Trail of the Plains-Wanderer Rohan Cleave , Julian Teh (illustrator), Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 24683963 2022 single work picture book children's The Plains-Wanderer is unlike any other bird on Earth —it’s one of a kind! On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer tells the true story of one of Australia’s most critically endangered bird species. This unique, quirky and precious bird faces many threats, but continues to survive against the odds. Discover more about this fascinating bird and see how people are providing hope for their future' 

 (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Poo, Spew and Other Gross Things Animals Do! Nicole Gill , Romane Cristescu , Rachel Tribout (illustrator), Clayton : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 24446185 2022 single work information book children's

'This book stinks … we think you’ll love it!

'Poo, Spew and Other Gross Things Animals Do! will show you how being gross isn’t just hilarious – it can be an important survival strategy for animals all over the world.

'Take a deep breath and step into the world of not just poo, but also spew, snot and all the other gross things animals do to survive and thrive. From using poo to build a nest, leaving stinky secretions to find a mate, or oozing slime to deter a predator, the animals in this book are amazing … and revolting.

'Discover a whole world of poo, learn how to be a poo detective, and meet some of the great scientists doing gross and yucky work! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You might even throw up!

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 9-12.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon A Shorebird Flying Adventure Jackie Kerin , Milly Formby , Jackie Kerin (illustrator), Milly Formby (illustrator), Clayton South : CSIRO Publishing , 2022 24096823 2022 single work picture book children's

'Strap in for a flying adventure, following the amazing journeys of Australia's migratory shorebirds.

'Join Milly on her microlight adventure and discover how amazing and awesome migratory shorebirds are!

'In A Shorebird Flying Adventure you’ll take a trip to the Arctic tundra and back. On the way you’ll meet the birds who travel phenomenal distances every year and explore their precious wetland habitats and breeding grounds. Learn fascinating facts about their diet and find out Milly’s top tips to tell one species from another. Grab your binoculars, hop on board and let’s go bird watching!' (Publication summary)
X