AustLit

Abstract: An Australian ABC of Animals is a delightful picture book, which can be used to introduce Aboriginal Perspectives to young children. It works on several levels, being both an introduction to the alphabet, and a unique exploration of Australian wildlife—some familiar, others more unusual—as seen through the eyes of an indigenous artist. The book will appeal to young children who are fascinated by the animal world around them. It is also a valuable book for older students examining Aboriginal art. Bancroft’s detailed artwork on each page is a perfect starting point for exploring colours and styles used by indigenous artists. 

Abstract: An enthralling crocodile story set in Northern Australia for small children. Written and illustrated by an Indigenous father from North Queensland. Full colour illustrations reflect the atmosphere and adventure of the bush in its changing moods. The story is in the classic style of "are you my mother?" but with an important difference, showing crocodiles as real animals in their own environment.

Abstract: Have you heard about the red-eyed green tree frog that likes to spend time in the canopy of a rainforest? Or the green ants that weave threads of silk... or the pigeons from New Guinea that feed on quandongs and nutmeg?

Uncover the secrets of a Queensland rainforest with artists, Warren Brim and Anna Eglitis, as they journey across culture and reveal the remarkable array of creatures that inhabit the rooftops of the tropics, its tangled undergrowth and the depths of its rivers.

Creatures of the Rainforest: Two Artists Explore Djabugay Country is an alphabetical dual language picture book about creatures from Djabugay country (rainforest and Tableland country of far North Queensland). Each double page spread is about an animal: it contains the English word for the animal e.g. 'ant' and then the Djabugay name for the animal 'Djiliburay' (the alphabetical order is based on the English language words); and stories about the creature and Aboriginal people's use and history with the creature. The endpapers include a Djabugay pronunciation guide.

Abstract: From the Torres Strait comes this moving story about Dabu, a shy baby dugong, and his family, the great dugong herd, as they face the dangers of sea life and the traditional hunters that roam their feeding grounds.

This picture book is dual language: English and Kala Lagaw Ya (traditional language of the Western Torres Strait). The back of the book contains a brief history of Badu Island in the Torres Straight and the role of dugongs in in the culture of the island. The story is from Dabu's point of view and shows the fears he experiences from hunting boats in his natural habitat.

See also Dabu Grows Up : The Tale of a Dugong .

N.B. Torres Strait Islands.

Abstract: Dingo's Tree is a tale of friendship and sharing, it tells of the struggle to survive in a land that is devastated by mining. It is a powerful children's cautionary tale on the destruction and havoc that mining causes to land and to community.

Abstract: Everyone needs a home, but some Australian creatures are losing theirs. From sandstone ridges to tropical beaches, from coastal woodlands to alpine streams, habitats are shrinking and changing. The animals in this book need help, and we are the only ones who can give it.

Abstract: A beautiful story of how Mother Nature helps a lost girl find her way back to her family. 'The girl had lost her way. She had wandered away from the Mothers, the Aunties and the Grandmothers, from the Fathers and the Uncles and the Grandfathers. Who will show her the way home?

Teacher's notes available here.

Abstract: Bilingual word book of environmental elements told in English and the indigenous Australian language of Gudjal.

Abstract: Come with me to my family's old house in Lionsville. It's full of memories. It's a special place. Uncle Pat calls it a secret place. We played in that old tin cubby, swam in the creek with the catfish, and fell asleep to the ribbip of frogs at night. And around the red cedar table we listened to the old people's stories. We learned a lot that way. Renowned artist Bronwyn Bancroft's Remembering Lionsville brings to vivid life her family's oral history and her own childhood memories.

Abstract: Sam is a young boy who like most young boys of this generation loves computers, DVDs, iPods and iPhones. He hates the Australian bush and the outdoors. Sam would be happy if it all disappeared.

During a dream, Sam learns to survive in the bush through an understanding of the ecology of the bush. He comes to love to walk in the bush with his grandmother.

Abstract: Butterfly Island follows the travails of Charlie Wilson and his children, who are determined to retain the tropical beauties and charm of Butterfly Island, but face such difficulties as the competition from nearby resorts, unscrupulous land developers, and shipwrecked boys with mysterious pasts and unwittingly criminal tendencies.

Includes a character named Vo Diem, a Vietnamese refugee who relocates to the island.

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: Bindi is travelling deep into the jungles of Borneo to film the plight of orphaned and rescued orangutans. When she gets there, one orangutan captures Bindi's heart: Merah. He's a real scene-stealer! But when a tropical storm hits, Merah escapes from his river island. With poachers lurking nearby, it's up to Bindi and her new friend Siti to track Merah down before the poachers do.

Abstract: Although everyone in the village laughed at Kenju it did not spoil his happiness. One day Kenju decided to plant lots of trees in an empty field behind his family's house. Many people of the village teased Kenju about his trees but the children of the village loved to play in the forest. As time passes it serves as a fitting memorial to Kenju.

This story is a retelling of a Japanese folktale. It is a pastoral tale about a forest that survives amidst urban expansion.

Abstract: Mang, the old orangutan who lives in the zoo, remembers back to his happy days in the lush rainforests of Borneo. As he travels lightly through the treetops on his mother's back, he learns to find food and to hide from his enemies. When people come into the rainforest, Mang is captured and transported to the zoo. In captivity, he entertains his onlookers with a display of his skills and intelligence.

This story is told from the point of view of the orangutan.

Abstract: Abstract: One Step at a Time is a story about a boy, a baby elephant and a landmine.

This book is about an elephant whose leg is permanently damaged by a neglected landmine, his rescue and rehabilitation by Buddhist monks and a boy named Luk. This book is set in South East Asia. Information at the back of the book discusses landmines in South East Asia and efforts by organisations to remove landmines to protect and preserve the local wildlife.

Abstract: On an adventure to find the mighty Li River, three little ducks are astonished by the events that unfold. A cautionary tale, set in the majestic landscape of China.

Recently author Krista researched in China, and it shows in the local examples of the duck farmers' nests, roped fishing birds, water buffalo and hawkers. Illustrator Sally also worked for three years in China.

Abstract: Shaozhen has no intention of staying in his remote Henan village and becoming another poor farmer: he’ll finish school, and then, hopefully, work in a factory in one of the major cities, just like his father. But when Shaozhen returns home for the summer holidays, imagining days filled with nothing but playing basketball with his friends, he’s in for a shock. The worst drought in over sixty years threatens the crops that the entire village relies on for income. As the water situation becomes dire, Shaozhen realises he must come up with a plan. But will it be enough to save his family and friends and secure the future of his village?

Set in China, this book is about the impact of drought of a family and their rural village. It is useful for discussing environmental issues such as water conservation, drought, sustainability and global warming.

Abstract: Tyger! Tyger! is a moving fable inspired by a Thai Buddhist monastery which for years has been a sanctuary for the beautiful Indo-Chinese Tiger, one of the world's most endangered species.

This text describes efforts by Thai buddhists to protect and endangered species. This picture book may be more suited to older readers as it contains graphic imagery.

Abstract: The intrepid crew of the rogue submarine, 'Thunderfish', face a terrible responsibility. Cornered by the navy after a campaign against illegal whalers, Captain Kira Beaumont has been forced to accept a dangerous secret mission, turning her military-trained crew and hi-tech subj into pawns in a volatile international drama. And the stakes are high: to rescue a crucial diplomat and prevent war, something even greater must be risked...our world's pollution-sick lungs themselves - the oceans!

This work references Japan and China, and is partially set in Asia.

Abstract: This picture book is about the daily life of two Giant Pandas brought to the Adelaide Zoo as part of its Conservation Program.

Abstract: 'Shazia longs for a snow leopard. But when she finds Yardil, she learns that there is something more important than her own dream ...'

Yardil is set in the Rumbur Valley of Chitral in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan where the Kalasha people live. This story is inspired by the Kalasha people who still live out their traditional culture. Snow leopards are found in these Hindu Kush mountains and are an endangered species. The forest in this story also is endangered.

Abstract: The Dreaming Tree poems celebrate the joy and freedom of being a child in the Australian landscape.

Many of the poems have an environmental theme, the most overt being 'When the oil runs out it'll be okay'. This poem is about humans changing their habits to protect the environment. It mentions riding bikes, growing your own vegetables, using water tanks and solar panels, recycling and repurposing, to live a more sustainable life.

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.

Abstract: Once upon a time, deep underground, there was a colony of wonderfully whiskery wombats who all had hairy noses. They lived in the only home for Hairy-nosed Wombats in the world. Could there ever be another home for Hairy-noses? 

At the back of the book there is a section titled 'The True History of the Hairy-Nosed Wombat', which shows that in fact it was humans who helped create a home to help sustain the population of the wombats. 

Abstract: Through the eyes of her granddaughter, Tarrah, respected elder Jane Christophersen reveals the beauty of life in Kakadu National Park and the significance of the changing seasons to those who live there.

This picture book "recognises Indigenous understandings of the ecologically sustainable use of the Australian environment from a child's perspective" (Massey, 2014)

Teacher's notes available from Magabala Books.

Abstract: Jesse and Lewis want to grow their own fruit and vegies, 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!

This picture book is about backyard gardens and living sustainably.

Abstract: 

It's dinnertime at Grace's place.

''Thank you, alpaca,' says Grace.

''Alpaca?' asks Mama. 'Why would you thank an alpaca?'

'A playful mealtime conversation becomes a joyful act of giving thanks. From the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime, Rockhopping and Shine.' 

This book illustrates the value of communities working together sustainably to grow and share their own foods, products and abilities. It demonstrates how each gesture connects to another. 

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.

This book is useful in the English, Science and Mathematics classrooms. It is a counting book that discusses sustainability.

Abstract: Vulture’s Gate is richly layered with complex ideas about law and order, the future, science, reproductive technology and gender relations. Students will find philosophical and political challenges lie beneath the action and drama of the story.

This text may be used to support study in environmental issues, sustainability, alternative sources of food and energy sources. Teaching notes available here.

Abstract: Why would anyone want to live on a farm where the winds are so fierce that even the pigs are blown away? Fortunately Mum is a clever inventor and can think of one very good reason.

A hilarious picture book with a very pertinent message about wind power and environmental sustainability.

Teacher's notes are available from the publisher here.