AustLit

'High in the Australian Alps, Possum faces the challenges of finding enough food and shelter to survive the harsh alpine winter. She will spend months hibernating under a blanket of snow. Will she last through the year to successfully raise a new family?

'The Mountain Pygmy-possum is a unique endangered species that’s small in size but huge in appeal! Once thought to be extinct, there are now fewer than 2500 of these tiny survivors in the wild. They need snow and Bogong Moths to survive, and also support through great conservation work.

'Tiny Possum and the Migrating Moths is a lyrical adventure from former zoologist Julie Murphy and beautifully illustrated by Ben Clifford, which is perfect for primary-aged readers.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'When a bushfire destroys Potoroo's home, he becomes one of the last surviving Gilbert's Potoroos at Two Peoples Bay in Western Australia. Frightened, hurt and alone, Potoroo needs a new home – somewhere safe from predators and with plenty of his favourite food. Luckily, a team of conservationists know where Potoroo can go to be safe.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Prepare to be AmAZed! on this wild ride through Australia’s biodiversity from A to Z!

'Go on an amazing scientific journey through 100 topics inspired by the specimens and stories from CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia. This book is filled with fabulous facts about plants, animals, microbes and the scientists who study them.

'Find out how new species get their names and discover an orchid that grows underground, identify a fly that looks like a bee, and explore strange fish that live in the deep sea.

'AmAZed! CSIRO’s A to Z of Biodiversity covers Australia’s natural wonders and impressive discoveries for each letter of the alphabet, accompanied by engaging photos and illustrations. Get ready to encounter the Lost Shark, the phenomena of sea sparkle and zombie worms!'

Source : publisher's blurb

'Did you know that there are plants that eat insects? Plants whose seeds spread in poo? Plants that move when you touch them? And plants that grow on other plants?

'Plantastic! presents 26 of Australia's most unique and incredible native plants. Discover and identify native plants found in your local park, bushland, or even in your very own backyard.

'Join these budding Bee Detectives as they explore the wonders of Australia's native bees.

'When Olivia and Hamish see a smoky haze coming from their local park, they're ready to spring into action! But it's not a fire – it's a nest of Australian stingless bees that needs their help.

'Join Olivia and Hamish as they learn about the bees in our backyards. From Blue-banded and Teddy Bear to Carpenter and Leaf-cutter bees, our two budding Bee Detectives discover how our native bees live, what they like to eat and the important work they do to pollinate plants.

'Explore the wonders of Australia's native bees – and be inspired to become a Bee Detective, too. It's a real buzz!' (Publication summary)

'Imagine a strange and colourful fish that can’t fly or breathe fire, but is an excellent dancer! Meet the weedy seadragon, an amazing underwater species with a talent for camouflage, weird eating habits and a unique courtship dance. This engaging and delightful story takes you under the sea to meet this amazing creature, and learn how we can help seadragons survive into the future.' (Publication summary)

'Have you ever seen a fish that could do a handstand?

'This is the story of a quirky and primitive little fish that is famous for two things: walking on its 'hands' (pectoral fins), and being the first marine fish anywhere in the word to be listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Spotted Handfish has survived since the time of the dinosaurs — until now. Invasive sea stars, pollution and climate change mean that this unique Australian is in real trouble — raise your hand if you want to know more!

'Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish is perfect for primary aged readers.' (Publication summary)

'This is a story about trees and fungi connected through a 'wood wide web' - told by one tiny fungal spore.

'A little fungus meets a baby cacao tree and they learn to feed each other. They cooperate with a forest of plants and a metropolis of microbes in the soil. But when drought strikes can they work together to survive?

'The fourth book in the Small Friends Books series, this science-adventure story explores the Earth-shaping partnerships between plants, fungi and bacteria.' (Publication summary)

The Small Friends storybook project tells stories of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) and the intimate relationships they form with larger forms of life. Each story combines engaging written narrative and beautiful illustrations inspired by rich scientific concepts. The books promote the idea that cooperation is a dominant paradigm of nature, not just competition. They portray microbes in a positive light, countering misguided hysteria around germs and hygiene.

The theme of symbiosis is reflected in the creative team behind the storybook, comprised of a writer, illustrator and microbial ecologist who will work with active scientists, all coordinated by Scale Free Network. The combined work of these collaborators explains these natural phenomena in a way that no single person could do on their own.

In 2019, Scale Free Network developed a partner with CSIRO Publishing to publish The Small Friends series.

'This book is about a symobiotic relationship. It tells the story of a Bobtail squid and the bacteria that help it glow in the moonlight.

First we meet Ali, an intrepid Vibrio fischerie bacterium determined to reach safety. Then we meet Sepio, a baby Bobtail squid who is still unable to glow. His dark shape is too obvious in the moonlit water and all kinds of predators lurk nearby. Can Ali and Sepio help each other? What kind of dangers do they face? What can we learn from their adventure?' (Source: Back cover)

'To you and me, a tree hollow is just a hole, cavity or tunnel in a tree or branch. But to an animal, that hollow may be a bedroom, hiding place, nursery or shelter. It is the ultimate tree house!

'Come and take a peek inside the amazing world of tree hollows and discover more than 340 species of incredible Australian animals that call hollows home. With color photos of glorious gliders, darting dunnarts, minute microbats and many more, this book is full of fun facts about animals that use tree hollows as places for resting, nesting or hiding.

'Find out how hollows are created, why they are threatened, and meet scientists who spend their time hollow-hunting. There are also plenty of tips on how you can spot hollows yourself, help to protect the environment and encourage habitat for hollow-dependent animals.' (Publication summary)

'Follow the amazing 30,000 kilometre annual migration of the short-tailed shearwater.

'A short-tailed shearwater flies from the edge of the Southern Ocean to the rim of the Arctic Circle – and back – every year. This remarkable 30,000 kilometre journey is driven by seabird law.

'Instinct and community will guide her.

'A wingspan the size of a child’s outstretched arms will support her.

'But first, she must catch the wind …

'Based on birds that live on Griffiths Island, near Port Fairy, Victoria, Windcatcher is a tale of migration, conservation and survival that begins with one small bird called Hope.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The tale of a tiny worm, the bacteria that live inside her, and a tree being munched on by a grub.

'This is a story about tiny creatures that live in the darkness of the soil.

'When a tree cries out in pain, some unexpected heroes come to the rescue. Nema and her gang of young nematodes (tiny worms) embark on a dangerous journey underground. The Xenos, a group of wise but deadly bacteria, hitch a ride. The story of how they help the tree is full of action, life-or-death challenges and microscopic warfare. It is a story of co-operation and ancient partnership, about events happening all over the Earth, in the hidden worlds beneath our feet.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

With her home under threat from a warming ocean, Zobi, a brave rhizobia bacterium, teams up with a family of slow but steady Zoox (zooxanthellae). The coral becomes gravely ill and bacteria around them begin to starve. Can Zobi and the Zoox work together to save the day?

This book is about a symbiotic relationship. It tells the story of the microscopic friends living in a tiny coral polyp. (Source: Back cover)

"Indigenous Australians have long understood sustainable hunting and harvesting, seasonal changes in flora and fauna, predator–prey relationships and imbalances, and seasonal fire management. Yet the extent of their knowledge and expertise has been largely unknown and under-appreciated by non-Aboriginal colonists, especially in the south-east of Australia where Aboriginal culture was severely fractured.

Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge in South-eastern Australia is the first book to examine historical records from early colonists who interacted with south-eastern Australian Aboriginal communities and documented their understanding of the environment, natural resources such as water and plant and animal foods, medicine and other aspects of their material world. This book provides a compelling case for the importance of understanding Indigenous knowledge, to inform discussions around climate change, biodiversity, resource management, health and education. It will be a valuable reference for natural resource management agencies, academics in Indigenous studies and anyone interested in Aboriginal culture and knowledge."

Source: Booktopia 

'Rocky, an ornate dragon, lives on the granite rocks in the southwest of Australia. His ancestors have lived in this hot environment for around 10 million years, and for more than 60,000 years, they have lived alongside Indigenous Australians. Rocky's habitat is under threat, and his desert relatives in the north are facing challenges due to rising temperatures.

Using his knowledge of Indigenous culture and language, along with Western science, The Great Lizard Trek follows Rocky in his journey to see what the future may bring.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

A beautifully illustrated story of this marsupial's plight and how it was saved from extinction. The Eastern Barred Bandicoot is one of Australia's most threatened species. When their existence came under extreme threat from habitat loss, predators and human development, Eastern Barred Bandicoots found refuge in the most unlikely of places – a rubbish tip. This captivating true story details the plight these small, nocturnal marsupials faced, and the outstanding efforts that ensured their protection. Written by Rohan Cleave and illustrated by Coral Tulloch, Bouncing Back shows that even on the brink of extinction, there is hope for the survival of our most vulnerable species.

Have you ever wondered what happens in the earth underneath us? James has, and he wants to learn more about soil. In Exploring Soils: A Hidden World Underground, James discovers that soil is not just dirt for digging in. He explores how plants and animals live in soil, how soils are formed, how they different, and the many ways that soil is essential in our lives. (Source: back cover)

'Meet the super dogs, hero rats and cyborg bees keeping our environment safe.

Come on 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!

'From the nosy noses of biosecurity beagles at airports to rats learning to sniff out landmines in war-torn landscapes, animals are using their unique abilities to help make the world a better and safer place. With fantastic colour photos of animal eco-warriors at work, this book is full of fun facts on how animals are helping humanity work towards a more sustainable future. There are also plenty of tips on how you can make a difference to the planet. Join the animal eco-warrior team today!

'This book is ideal for teachers and librarians looking for locally relevant, teachable materials addressing environment and sustainability issues, as well as for children and their families with an interest in animals and science.

'Perfect for readers aged 9-12.' (Publication summary)

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. (Source: Trove)