Take me to a place where dragonflies dance on sunbeams, ancient trees whisper enchantments, and the mighty seas roll with untold adventures.
Storytelling is one of the best ways to engage children in new ideas and inspire a love of nature and outdoor adventures!
We asked three of our favourite local bookstores (and stockists) to provide their children’s book recommendations and added a few extra tips of our own.
Thank you to The Little Bookroom (Fitzroy North), The Younger Sun (Yarraville) and Brunswick Bound (Brunswick) for their wonderful recommendations - we can’t wait to get reading!
Five Minute Read
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The Adventure Stories
Jen Marlin & Izzy Burton
Max and Sofia lives are changed forever when they find an old magical sailboat. Wind Rider takes them on adventures to solve environmental problems - like rescuing baby turtles!
The Younger Sun recommendation >
Jetty Jumping
Andrea Rowe & Hannah Sommerville
While Milla's friends take big, brave jumps off the jetty, Milla stays on the blistering wood, scared of what lurks below. But when Milla accidentally falls off the edge, she discovers the beauty of the deep, dark sea - and her summer changes forever.
The Tree at Number 43
Jess McGreachin
In a noisy, grey city, Sam and his Grandpa long for the deep, dark wonderful jungle. But when their dream comes true, can they find a way to protect it?
Little Bookroom Recommendation
By the Billabong
Maura Finn and Cate James
This is a fun, rhyming book for little kids that lists creatures you might find on a walk beside the billabong.
Brunswick Bound recommendation >
Dirt By Sea
Michael Wagner & Tom Jellett
Daisy and her dad set off on a once-in-a-lifetime father-daughter trip along the Australian coast to see the ocean and much more.
Daisy has never seen the beach and thinks the Australian anthem is about a country ‘dirt by sea…’
The Younger Sun recommendation
Now We’re Together
Nicola Edwards and Jenny Bloomfield
This is a book about the magic that happens when we disconnect from our devices and connect with each other.
It contains statistics about the impact of smartphones, and advice about reducing screen time.
Brunswick Bound Recommendation >
The Tiny Explorers
Kat Maclead
Explore the natural world up-close with wonderful illustrations and a treasure hunt through the garden!
Their treasure hunt collections transform into a fun surprise at the end of their journey.
The Younger Sun recommendation
Tiny Wonders
Sally Soweol Han
April lives in a dull, grey town full of busy people. When she decides to brighten things up by planting dandelion seeds, she is able to use nature to bring the community together.
Brunswick Bound Recommendation >
The Girl Who Rescues Animals
Geraldine McCaughrean
When the devious Zoo owners steal a bear cub from the Wild Bear Woods; will Polly be brave enough to stand up for the bears and return him to the wild?
Rockhopping by Trace Balla
Clancy and Uncle Egg go on a rambling, rockhopping adventure in Gariwerd (the Grampians), to find the source of the Glenelg River.
Read more >
Gumnut Trails Adventure Guides
Join our 2 explorers Ellie and Felix on their adventures around Melbourne’s amazing parks, beaches & reserves.
Follow clues, learn about our local wildlife and become part of the story!
Browse guides >
Learning about Nature
Let’s Eat Weeds
Annie Raser-Rowland & Adam Grubb
This kid-friendly guide to common edible weeds is perfect for taking on suburban adventures and will also lead to adventures in the kitchen!
Brunswick Bound Recommendation >
Looking after Country with FireVictor Steffensen
Little Bookroom recommendation
Let’s Get Gardening
Learn how to grow organic vegetables and herbs, how to attract awesome bees, butterflies and birds to your area, and how to make sustainable garden containers from household waste.
Little Bookroom recommendation
Backyard Birds
Helen Milroy
A book for very small kids who love to spot native birds. The illustrations are bright and expressive, and it’s the perfect size to stash in a backpack.
Brunswick Bound Recommendation
Ingenious Insects
Sarah Allen
Step through the seasons with some of Australia's most interesting insects. Say hello to chirping cicadas, flashing fireflies, sneaky stick insects and burrowing bees in this adorable introduction to our unique and charming bug life.
Read More
Caring for the environment
Dear Greta
Yvette Poshoglian
Alice is given a school writing project with Greta Thunberg as her pen pal - she had hoped for a pop star…
Through her writing to Greta, she starts to wonder ‘what would Greta do?,’ and realises the impact she can make in the world around her.
Little Bookroom recommendation
What A Waste
Jess French
Little Bookroom recommendation
