Wilderness Journal
Get lost in our special issue of Wilderness Journal, all about storytelling and nature. You'll find fascinating feature articles, stunning photography and a poem!
Nature Book Week
Every year, we celebrate tales about our natural world, featuring beloved Australian authors, illustrators and storytellers
Nature Book Week is a time for readers of all ages to celebrate nature writing in its many forms—from science writing to poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Join us next year for a series of talks and events, culminating in the announcement of our Karajia and Environment Awards for Children's Literature winners for 2023!
Nature Book Week 2022
That's a wrap on this year's Nature Book Week, but there's still time to rewatch some of our favourite online events:
| Wilderness Society CEO Matt Brennan talks with First Nations author and astronomer Karlie Noon, who recently co-authored Astronomy: Sky Country with Krystal De Napoli | |
 | Better Reading’s Nature Book Week-themed Facebook Live hosted by Adrian Beck, featuring special guest authors Samone Amba and Nat Amoore | |
| Ask a scientist: Kids’ nature questions answered! With ecologists Professor Jen Martin, Dr Euan G. Ritchie and Dr Kylie Soanes | |
| Why we need stories: In conversation with Uncle Bunna Lawrie and Boori Monty Pryor | |
Grow your child's love of nature
Own your own copies of the best new nature-themed children's books from our 2022 Karajia and Environment Awards for Children's Literature shortlists!
Activities for kids!
We enlisted the help of three beloved Australian authors—Michael Gerard Bauer, Samantha Wheeler and the late Narelle Oliver—to inspire kids to get writing (or drawing!). This activity is perfect for an English or Art class, or as a school holiday project. We also have lesson plans for teachers!
Meet Dr Jen Martin, Nature Book Week Ambassador
“When we read about our natural world, we feel more connected to nature. And feeling connected to nature helps us all to understand how precious our natural environment is, and how important it is we protect it.”
Dr Jen Martin spent many years working as a field ecologist until she decided the most useful thing she could contribute as a scientist was to teach other scientists how to be effective and engaging communicators. To that end, she founded and leads the University of Melbourne's acclaimed Science Communication Teaching Program.
Jen also practises what she preaches: for nearly 15 years she’s been talking about science each week on 3RRR, Australia’s largest community radio station, she writes a popular science blog, is a member of the Science Gallery Melbourne Leonardos and writes for CSIRO's Double Helix Magazine. She was named the 2019 Unsung Hero of Science Communication.
Jen also practises what she preaches: for nearly 15 years she’s been talking about science each week on 3RRR, Australia’s largest community radio station, she writes a popular science blog, is a member of the Science Gallery Melbourne Leonardos and writes for CSIRO's Double Helix Magazine. She was named the 2019 Unsung Hero of Science Communication.
5 ways for schools & libraries to participate!
From creating a 'Nature Book' section to hosting a green reading challenge, here are 5 ideas to help grow a love of nature in readers of all ages—during Nature Book Week and beyond 🌱📚 You can even take this printable list to your local school or library!
Books to good places
As part of Nature Book Week the Wilderness Society is working with First Nations communities and schools, like the Nawarddeken Academy in Arnhem Land and Deadly Science, to give the fantastic nature books we received for consideration a good home.
“The Nawarddeken Academy is thrilled to be receiving a donation of books from The Wilderness Society. Being located on an Indigenous ranger base in west Arnhem Land, we have limited access to quality printed texts that embrace the natural environment,” says Olga Scholes, Nawarddeken Academy Executive Officer.
“Our country is our classroom and local ecological knowledge is critical to Indigenous Language and Culture. In a remote bicultural school like ours, reading stories about nature from other parts of the world highlights the importance of caring for our local environment.”
Corey Tutt CEO and Founder of Deadly Science says the donation of books is “Incredible! Books are freedom. To provide these Deadly books to our students is just amazing. Who knows, maybe this might be the thing that helps our students find their deadly passion.”
Reach out!
Want ideas for celebrating Nature Book Week 2023 in your library, school, bookstore or home? Fill out the form below for activities and resources.
Got a specific query?
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch at nbw@wilderness.org.au.