Author: NPA NSW

Oceans at Night

written by Vanessa Pirotta & illustrated by Cindy Lane  

Reviewed by Jessie (age 10) 

I like this book. It’s perfect for storytime and at the same time it’s educational. It really reminded me of my little brother’s relaxation podcast because of the way they describe the animals in a relaxing way. The detail in the illustrations amazes me and the words are just as good! I hope other kids like it as much as I do. 

“Look after the natural world and the animals in it and the plants in it too. This is their planet as well as ours. Don’t waste them.”

David Attenborough 

All that glitters is not good

The colour and sparkle of glitter is hard to resist – whether for dress-ups or art & craft.  

But most glitter is made of common plastics and coated with aluminum or other synthetic materials to make it reflective. This makes it a microplastic that contributes to air, water and soil pollution (see Nature Kids Winter 2021 and Winter 2023 for more stories about plastic pollution). 

Certified plant-based biodegradable glitter is rare and has only become available in the last few years. Australian-led research released this year has found a shimmery plant-based glitter substitute that could be safer for our soil and its inhabitants. Stay tuned … the substitute will also be tested in water. 

Meanwhile find out more about glitter and alternatives such as eco-friendly face paint and sand “glitter”. 

“I’m bored”

is a common complaint during school holidays but there are lots of ways you can have fun connecting with nature inside and outside your home this summer. 

Take a look at this Junior Landcare Holiday Journal for some ideas.  

Or look up the QuestaGame app created in Australia as a global social enterprise for working and playing together to protect life on our planet for a sustainable future.

Endangered species in the spotlight

This year’s Wild at Art wildlife art competition winners were announced in September!  

Take a look at these amazing and inspirational artworks of endangered plants and animals by kids aged 5–12 years.  

See if you can spot a Greater Glider (also mentioned in Nature Kids Spring 2024). 

And watch a video of some real Greater Gliders in Tallaganda Forest from a tree hollow livestream started in October and supported by the NPA!

Biosecurity alert … pathogen patrol

When people spend time in nature, they can spread harmful germs or “pathogens” such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites that cause infectious diseases. 

One example is Phytophthora cinnamomi – a microscopic fungal plant disease that causes plants and trees to rot and die.  

This summer, help protect our environment from introduced germs: 

1. clean your shoes, clothing and gear before and after heading outdoors. 
2. stick to marked areas and paths.
3. take a photo of anything unusual (eg weeds) that might need reporting. 

 Find out more and meet Alice and Echo, two dogs trained to sniff out Phytophthora.