Books for Junior Naturalists

Does your family embrace the great outdoors? Do you go camping or hiking, or enjoy time in nature together?

Or are you the type of family for whom getting off the beaten track means going to a different cafe on the weekend? Would you like to see your children engage with the natural world more, but don’t know where to start?

Either way, the books listed below will not only teach your children more about animals and the world around them but will also have your children engaging in a different way when you’re out and about. No more, ‘I’m bored.’ They might even stop reaching for their phones.

Instead, on your nature adventures, your kids will be spotting birds along the way and telling you what they know about them. These books will nurture young bird nerds, teach kids about alpine dingoes, encourage an understanding of environmental issues, and introduce them to nature’s most peculiar couples.

This is the perfect holiday reading list for young nature lovers… and for those kids who need a little more encouragement in that area. In fact, these books are perfect for everyone in the family.

Wandi by Favel Parrett

This stunning story about a dingo cub who is snatched by an eagle and later found by humans is bound to become an Australian classic. His destiny is to save alpine dingoes from extinction. Wandi is one of the most wonderful characters your children will meet this year. Let him teach them all about the plight of dingoes.

Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Julia is living on a remote island for the summer, while her parents work. But her mother’s search for the elusive Greenland shark ends up being an adventure Julia never expected to find herself on. This is a lyrical story about mothers and daughters, and about the environment.

Book of Curious Birds by Jennifer Cossins

We take them for granted, but birds are one of the most fascinating species in the animal kingdom. Discover dangerous, clever, peculiar, and awkward birds – big and small birds and those with an unusual appearance or unique behaviour. Jennifer Cossins’ wonderful book will nurture the bird nerd in even the most reluctant kids.

Encyclopedia of Peculiar Pairs by Sami Bayly

Did you know that some species have evolved to form relationships with some of the most unlikely partners, and they couldn't live without them? This stunning illustrated hardcover introduces you to 60 of the most unlikely and peculiar pairs. It’s an eye-opening guide to the natural world.