Too cold to go exploring outdoors? That doesn’t mean you can’t connect with nature. We explore five books designed to inspire and educate kids about their natural environment.
Winter is the perfect time to get cosy indoors, choose a good book and spend quality time together as a family. Reading nature books with children is a great way to connect them with Australia’s beautiful environment and captivating animals.
Best of all nature books can be calming and magical. We have broken down our top 5 book picks.
1. Where The Forest Meets the Sea, Jeannie Baker
Ages: All ages
This thought-provoking book is beautifully illustrated to give appreciation to our country’s landscapes. With a strong ecological message this book will take you on a journey through tropical rainforests in North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and raises questions about the future of our forests and wildlife.
2. Ceremony, Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
Ages: 4+ years
This book forms part of the Welcome to our country book series. Ceremony is a celebration of family and culture and a great introduction to First Nations history for children. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Barkindji illustrator David Hardy this book is a must read for families.
3. Kissed by the Moon, Alison Lester
Ages: 0-4 years
Australia’s much loved picture book creator Alison Lester brings you this part poem, part lullaby book which celebrates the joy we can experience from our incredible environment. This gentle baby story book is set to be a favourite bedtime read for new parents.
4. Kookaburras Love to Laugh, Laura and Phillip Bunting
Ages: 4-8 years
Follow one of Australia’s most loved birds the kookaburra on a journey of difference, stereotypes and fitting in. This book is clever and has plenty of laughs along the way, after all kookaburras do love to laugh.
5. Possum Magic, Mem Fox
Ages: All ages
This Australian classic picture book needs little introduction. Join Grandma Poss and Hush on a magical adventure across Australia and take in the beauty of the Australian bush and our wonderful wildlife.
To celebrate Adelaide National Park City Month nature themed story-time sessions are being held throughout June at Blackwood and Mitcham libraries and Unley Town Hall.
Get involved with Adelaide National Park City
Find out what else is on by visiting the Adelaide National Park City Month event webpage.
You can help get the message out about Adelaide National Park City by sharing the ways you connect with nature with your family, friends and colleagues on socials with the hashtag #AdelaideNationalParkCity.
