Gardening + Flora

Flora (Oxford Dictionary)

noun

the plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.

A book or other work detailing the plants of a particular region or habitat.

plural noun: florae; plural noun: floras

Staff Favourites: Monique

5 Minute Nature Stories
By Gabby Dawnay, Mona K

Discover the interconnectedness of nature with this tabbed, non-fiction story collection. Written by science writer and poet Gabby Dawnay, each read-aloud story celebrates everyday miracles in a woodland. A gift to inform and delight the youngest nature lovers.

Inside Peek:

Local Authors:

The Book of Australian Trees

By Inga Simpson, Alicia Rogerson

Trees tell stories about places. Australia has some of the tallest, oldest, fattest and most unusual trees in the world. They have changed over thousands of years, adapting to this continent's deserts, mountains, and coasts. Many have found clever ways of dealing with drought and fire.

Their leaves, flowers and seeds are food for birds, insects and mammals. Old trees have lots of hollows, which make good homes for possums, sugar gliders, birds and bees. But trees aren't just important for other animals, we need them too. What trees breathe out, we breathe in. They are a vital part of the Earth's ecosystems.

When you first stand in a forest, the trees all seem the same. But if you look more closely, they are each a little different, like people. This book is a love song to Australian trees, from the red ironbark to the grey gum, the Moreton Bay fig to the Queensland bottle tree.

Inga Simpson is an Australian novelist and nature writer. Inga grew up in central west NSW, and has lived in Canberra, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast hinterland, now settleing on the far south coast of NSW.

"When you first stand in a forest, the trees all seem the same. But if you look more closely, they are each a little different, like people."

NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOKS:

5 Minute Nature Stories, Gabby Dawnay, Mona K

Secrets Of The Saltmarsh, Claire Saxby, Alicia Rogerson

Age range 5 to 9

You will find me where land meets sea…

Saltmarshes are full of energy and life. They protect our coastlines, and provide food and shelter for migratory birds and microscopic plants and animals. Most of all, saltmarshes are places of discovery and wonder.

With lyrical text and captivating illustrations Secrets of the Saltmarsh offers a close-up look at the fascinating world of saltmarsh wetlands.

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5–9.

Plant, Sow, Make & Grow, Esther Coombs

Get little gardeners growing and learning with this beautifully illustrated book, packed with information and crafty stuff to do. Help them to discover that gardening can be simple and uncomplicated with very little equipment and prior knowledge needed. It often is as simple as having some seeds, a patch of soil or a container and having a go. As well as gaining a new hobby, there will be extra motivation to eat up the veggies after growing and picking them and the simple pleasure of spending time together outside. With sections based on the cycle of the seasons, the pages are packed with ideas of what to grow, how to sow seeds and useful harvesting information. Also included are tips about what wildlife you may see, raiding your recycling box to make some useful gardening accessories and other decorative craft activities.

Footprint, Phil Cummings, Sally Soweol Han

A unique, lyrical picture book that empowers children to think about the natural environment in a mindful and positive way, from one of Australia's most prolific writers, with stunningly beautiful illustrations from an exciting up-and-coming illustrator.

You carry hope and future needWith careful footprint, plant the seed.
Breathe... Yes, breathe.

Embark on a lyrical, meditative journey through nature's tapestry, where every step you take leaves a legacy of wonder and protection for the environment. Explore forests and mountains, cities and fields, and animals in their natural habitats as you ponder the footprint humans have left on the Earth.

From CBCA award-winning creators Phil Cummings and Sally Soweol Han.

When Plants Took Over The Planet, Chris Thorogood, Hannah Bailey

This large-format, highly illustrated book will guide readers through the key aspects of the life of plants, from early ferns which were most certainly munched on by dinosaurs, to carnivorous plants that snap and attack' their prey, or powerful medicinal plants that can heal ailments and boost health. Mysterious and wonderful plants and trees are explored through the diverse habitats they're found in, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Sahara Desert, and through the animals found living on them or amongst them. This book also explores how humans use - and abuse - our precious plants, and how reliant are we all on the survival of our planet's network of botanical life.

Fungarium, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ester Gaya

Welcome to the Fungarium! Step into the world of fungi and learn all about these strange and fascinating life forms.

Katya's Book Of Mushrooms, Katya Arnold, Sam Swope

Mushrooms are mysterious. They surround us, quietly, secretly, all the time. They appear overnight—like magic—in meadows, in forests. They’re exciting to find, beautiful to look at, fascinating to identify, and delicious to eat. When you know what to look for, a mushroom hunt is as safe and fun as a treasure hunt.

Mushroom lover Katya Arnold has packed this comprehensive introduction with scientific information and quirky details. Her passion makes these wonders of nature exciting and immediate. A walk in the woods will never be the same!

The Trees, Victor Steffensen, Sandra Steffensen

Take a walk with Uncle Kuu in The Trees, a picture book about caring for Country and respect for Indigenous knowledge.

Looking after the trees is important for keeping Country happy and healthy. First Nations People have cared for the trees on Country for thousands of years. In return, the trees look after the people and provide them with gifts of seeds, flowers, wood and more. This creates the balance between giving and taking from the land.

Featuring stunning artwork by Sandra Steffensen, The Trees is a powerful and timely story to help future generations manage our landscapes and ensure that they thrive. At the back of the book, you will find lyrics to a song written by author Victor Steffensen with the title, ‘We are the Trees’, and a QR code to watch the song's YouTube video.

This book is the follow-up to Victor Steffensen’s Looking after Country with Fire, which explains Aboriginal burning practices for children.

101 Ways To Be An Eco Hero, Lonely Planet Kids

It's hard to believe that you have the power to save the world, but it's true! We'll show you how to harness your inner hero with loads of awesome ways to make a positive impact on the planet.

In 101 Ways to be an Eco Hero, the follow up to 101 Small Ways to Save the World and The Plastic Problem, you'll find practical tips and projects that will help you, along with your friends and family, to protect our Earth for future generations. You'll also find out how you can use your voice to encourage businesses and governments to make the right decisions for our environment.

Tips for kids include:

reusing, recycling, and upcycling
avoiding food waste
protecting the local environment through activities such as litter collections
Projects for kids include:

building an insect hotel
making a herb garden
creating a tote bag for shopping
Advice for families includes:

collecting rainwater for watering the garden
getting solar panels
using low-energy appliances
About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travellers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

The Little Book Of Mushrooms, Alex Dorr, Sara Richard

A beautifully illustrated guide to 75 of the most unique and fascinating mushrooms in the world, including interesting insight into their history, uses, and etymologies.

From sweet little toadstools to giant puffballs, mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes. With over 10,000 mushrooms in the world, some are cute and colorful, while others may look super adorable but are actually deadly. No matter the kind, it’s time to celebrate all types of mushrooms with The Little Book of Mushrooms.

This book is a collection of everything you need to know about 75 of the world’s most unique mushrooms. With information on their etymology, geographic location, characteristics, and culinary or healing powers, this book is the perfect companion for amateur mushroom hunters, cottage-core fans, or anyone just looking for a beautifully illustrated book on some of the most incredible fungi around the world.

Mystical Mushrooms, Aurora Kane

Mystical Mushrooms defines the beauty of mushrooms by focusing on their magical connections and symbolic meanings through folkloric tales and superstitions throughout the world.

In Mystical Mushrooms, explore the magical properties, mythological connections, and symbolic qualities of ever-intriguing fungi.Go for a walk in the woods on any given summer day and you may find yourself surrounded in fungi galore as they lay nestled among the ferns and trees. After a rainstorm, peek out in your backyard and you may see tiny spores sprouting from the grass, forming what is known as a fairy ring. Mushrooms grow in all shapes, sizes, and colors and-depending on where you live-you might find some that are conducive to magic practice. Mystical Mushrooms enters this realm, exploring the magical properties, mythological connections, and symbolic qualities of the fungi that so intrigue us. Author Aurora Kane takes you on a journey through the mystical universe of mushrooms. From ancient traditions to the concept of fairy rings, Kane reveals how mushrooms have long been entwined with the supernatural in art, literature, and religion. This includes topics surrounding: Magical History Spells Symbolism Spirituality Coupled with stunningly depicted artwork, Mystical Mushroomsexplores the qualities of over 35 species of mushroom, displaying a range of compelling subjects surrounding the true power of these fabulous fungi.

Life In A Hollow, David Gullan, Suzanne Houghton

Age range 5 to 9

Who is home in the hollow?

Tree hollows are very special places that provide animals, both big and small, with a space to nest and feel safe.

Explore life in a tree hollow in the Australian bush and meet the native creatures who come to call a hollow a home. You’ll be surprised just how many choose to move in!

You’ll also discover the important role tree hollows play in the environment and how we can help protect them. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.

'In Australia almost 350 species of animal need a tree hollow for resting, nesting or hiding. This book is sure to pique curiosity, stimulate imagination, spark conversation and foster conservation, by illuminating the parade of diverse animals homed over the evolution of a single tree hollow. With dreamy illustrations and lyrical prose Life in a Hollow is sure to become a treasured go-to.' — Abbie Mitchell, author of A Hollow Is a Home (CSIRO Publishing, 2019)

Interactive books:

Big Maze Book, Kirsteen Robson, Kirsteen Robson, Ruth Russell, Nayera Everall, Candice Whatmore

A wonderfully illustrated book bursting with mazes! Ages: 5+ • Over 50 themed mazes brought to life with vibrant illustrations • Many mazes contain extra puzzles and challenges to solve en route • Level of challenge increases gradually throughout the book

Kids' Guide To Camping, Eileen Ogintz

The Kids' Guide to Camping is a fun, fresh, interactive take on camping aimed directly at kids. Complete with break-out boxes; tips for parents and for/from kids; interactive games, puzzles, coloring pages; and more, kids have never had this much fun camping.

Sticker Dolly Dressing Countryside, Fiona Watt, Stella Baggott, Non Figg

A delightful activity book full of dolls to dress and scenes to decorate.
Have fun creating outfits for different outdoor activities, such as pony trekking through mountains, cycling in a forest, going for a ramble along clifftops, star gazing on a clear, crisp night and lots more.

Catch A Crayfish, Count The Stars, Steven Rinella

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER . A hands-on, gloves-off, muddy-boots activity book for young adventurers ages eight and up, offering fun projects and adventures to build lifelong skills and knowledge about the natural world-from the host of MeatEater andauthor of The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival

Does climbing a tree, building a bug hotel, spearing a bullfrog, stalking wild animals, and scouting for petrified wood sound more fun than homework or chores? If so, this guide is your perfect companion to endless summer days and rainy fall afternoons alike. Filled with advice, insights, and activities to inspire wonder and excitement about the natural world, Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars is a curious kid's treasure trove, filled to the brim with outdoor projects, skills, and adventures complete with illustrations. The book presents a ton of fun and exciting ways to explore the natural world, like

. building an outdoor exploration kit
. identifying constellations and navigating using the sun and stars
. collecting fossils and other geological wonders
. tracking animals and following weather patterns
. making your own compass
. growing your own fruits and vegetables
. building survival shelters and primitive hunting weapons
. fishing, hunting, and foraging for wild foods
. making cool art projects using natural materials

A must-have guide for budding naturalists, scientists, gardeners, anglers, foragers, and hunters, Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars helps get kids out into nature, imparting lifelong knowledge and skills along the way.

Around The World Mazes, Sam Smith

Travel from the Amazon and the Antarctic to the Himalayas and Hollywood with this entertaining selection of mazes from across the globe. Each maze is more challenging than the last, from taking a ramble in Rio de Janeiro to touring the Norwegian fjiords or finding your way in a Moroccan market. All the answers are at the back of the book.

101 Ways To Be An Eco Hero, Lonely Planet Kids

Puffin Little Environmentalist: Composting, Penguin Random House Australia

Just because we're LITTLE doesn't mean we can't learn BIG facts.

Have you ever wondered how you could help save the planet?

If you're a Little Environmentalist who is curious about composting, you're about to DELVE INTO THE DIRT with Puffin Little!

Bumper Aussie Road Trip Quiz and Activity Book

Embark on a fun quiz to test your knowledge of all that lies in Australia !

Round up your friends, put your heads together, and test your knowledge on all things Australia. Ideal for long road trips and summer holidays, Bumper Aussie Road Trip Quiz and Activity Book contains a whole stack of quizzes on Australian landmarks, geography, sport, politics, language, entertainment and more. So pit yourself against the best and become Australias number one quiz champion!

chapter books:

The Wild Robot, Peter Brown

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is - but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realises that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants. As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home - until, one day, her mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide. By turns funny, moving, surprising and dramatic, this is a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting.

The Wild Robot Escapes, Peter Brown

The sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot, by award-winning author Peter BrownRoz is no ordinary robot.

The Wild Robot Protects, Peter Brown

When nature and technology collide: meet Roz the robot!

The enchanting new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling THE WILD ROBOT series from award-winning author-illustrator Peter Brown, packed full of glorious illustrations.

Roz the robot has made an unlikely home for herself on an idyllic island dense with forests, wildflowers and friendly animal inhabitants - including her own young son Brightbill the gosling. Life on the island is perfect, until a dying seal washes ashore and warns of dangerous, cloudy waters that are flowing towards the island, bringing new dangers for the animals.

Forced inland they will have to fight over fewer resources - and Roz realises that she must march into the waves and undertake an incredible undersea adventure to find a way to protect her beloved island and all who live on it ...

From bestselling author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed third book in his New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot series, exploring what happens when nature and technology collide.

Praise for The Wild Robot

'An Iron Man style fable for our age' - Piers Torday, award-winning author of The Last Wild

'A modern-day classic in the making' - Booktrust

[Peter Brown's THE WILD ROBOT was a #1 New York Times bestseller w/c 11th June 2023.]

Magic Faraway Tree 3 Copy Collection, Enid Blyton

Collect all three titles in The Magic Faraway Tree series in a stunning plastic-free box.
The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree and The Folk of the Faraway Tree are the three magical stories in the Faraway Tree series by the world's best-loved children's author, Enid Blyton.
When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to a new home, an Enchanted Wood is on their doorstep. And when they discover the Faraway Tree, that is the beginning of many magical adventures! Join them and their friends Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree. Will it be the Land of Spells, the Land of Treats, or the Land of Do-As-You-Please? Come on an amazing adventure - there'll be adventures waiting whatever happens.
The Faraway Tree stories have been delighting readers for over 75 years. Look out for the other titles in the Faraway Tree series: The Faraway Tree, Folk of the Faraway Tree, and Up the Faraway Tree.

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Long Live The Pumpkin Queen, Shea Ernshaw

Read Sally's story in this young adult companion to Tim Burton'sThe Nightmare Before Christmas written by New York Times bestselling Shea Ernshaw.
Jack and Sally are truly meant to be ... or are they?

Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams-- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a different cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare?