Good books: Give the gift of science this year

Trying to find a unique gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person in your life. We may have the answer.

Two children reading books on the grass. photo taken from above — Get into our good books with science for kids.

Need a gift for your niece who loves bugs? A thank you present for a special host? Or something different for your retired father? Give the gift of science this festive season.

CSIRO Publishing has a book for every type of reader. They’ve put together a catalogue of gift ideas with some discounts and free shipping to sweeten the deal.

Award-winning children’s books

Coral bleaching might seem like an unusual theme for a children’s book. But Zobi and the Zoox: A Story of Coral Bleaching introduces reef ecology to middle- to upper-aged school readers. The science-adventure book tells the story of tiny creatures that are trying to save the Great Barrier Reef.

Zobi and the Zoox was awarded the 2019 Whitley Medal for its inspirational qualities. It was the first children’s book to receive the honour.

Another award-winning children’s book is The Great Lizard Trek which is authored by retired CSIRO researcher Felicity Bradshaw. The ornate dragon lizards are trying to find new homes as the climate changes and threatens their current habitat. Or Bouncing Back which was shortlisted at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Awards this year. Children can read about the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoots that found refuge in a rubbish tip.

child reading a book — Zobi and the Zoox is a story about coral bleaching, told by the tiniest creatures on the reef.

Crazy about creepy crawlies

Keen to identify insects in your home or garden? There is the Miniature Lives: identifying insects in your home and garden book. This easy-to-use identification guide is the perfect encyclopedia for an insect hunter or curious observer.

Or why not be specific in your insect-book-purchase? Try the Secret Life of Flies, the Complete field guide to Butterflies of Australia or Bees of Australia. These insect books are great for readers of all ages.

A young boy looking at a bug in a container

Identifying the bugs your children discover can be tricky but we’ve got you covered

Any walk of life

Keen to know more about how a healthy gut can lead to a healthy metabolism, brain and immune system? The CSIRO Healthy Gut Diet is the perfect gift to yourself.

Interested in where your favourite plant-based food or drink come from? Food Plants of the World is a scientifically accurate photographic guide providing quick and informative answers. Or get outside and see the plants with Walks, Tracks and Trails of Victoria which features more than 150 of the best walks in the state.

Have a buddin’ four-wheel driver in the family? The 4WD Driving Skills is a manual for all off- and on-road travel. An essential guide for all summer road-trips.