Just So Stories

Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood – Judy Friedlander

New South Books

Ferbruary 2025

ISBN: 9781742238227 

RRP: $27.99

Last year there were quite a few books come my way with bugs and biodiversity featured. This one is almost a complete wrap-up of them all in a non-fiction package.

We know kiddos are enthusiastic about environmental activities. Going right back to my first year of teaching with my Year 5 class (in a small inland town), we formed a school Environment Club, took part in the pre-(formal) Aussie Bird Count that was initiated by the Courier-Mail from memory, did a whole unit of work based on Fern Gully and saving bushland and wildlife, and supported conservation initiatives whenever we could. 32 years later, kiddos are even more fired up, I believe.

This book is a perfect primer for kick-starting an eco-warrior contingent in either your classroom or school (or home, of course). Belying the title, it’s not JUST about bees but about all the integral important aspects of a healthy ecosystem and how children, no matter how young, are changing up things, as well as inspiring more kiddos to take up the challenge.

No matter where they live – town or country, beach or inland, suburban house or rural farm – all kids will be able to set themselves some fun and exciting activities to make a difference.

I love that this is not just about building nest boxes, planting trees and natives or cleaning up waterways (all of which are hugely important) but incorporates suggestions for finding joy in, and being observant of nature through art, photography and recording findings. It offers young ones useful contacts, suggested programs/initiatives and valuable information on flora and fauna, climate change, conservation techniques, First Nations connection to Country and stewardship, citizen science and activism.

All in all, it’s a very complete package that will sit beautifully with your curriculum studies in related focus areas or as a worthwhile co-curricular venture. The teaching guide pulls out some selected key ideas and activities and also provides curriculum connections, but as skilled educators you will easily be able to do this yourselves, and also take it much, much further.

I’m excited about this book and I’m hoping I get to see some action arising from kids’ reading of it. It gets a buzzing 5 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 rating from me!