Briony Barr

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating, illustrated science book that takes kids inside the life of termites through storytelling from the Gurindji People. Did you know there are four types of termite poo? Or that a warm paste made from termite mound is used to strengthen a Gurindji baby’s body and spirit? Or that spinifex (which termites eat) is one of the strongest plants in the world? Created as a collaboration between over 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous contributors, the story and artworks explore how termites and their mounds connect different parts of Country, from tiny Gurindji babies and their loving grandmothers, to spiky spinifex plants growing in the hot sun. Written in traditional Gurindji, Gurindj Kriol and English (with a QR code to an audio version spoken in language), Tamarra is a truly original story with beautiful artworks that takes readers on an educational and cultural journey through Gurindji Country. Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years.

This is a story about trees and fungi connected through a ‘wood wide web’ – told by one tiny fungal spore. A little fungus meets a baby cacao tree and they learn to feed each other. They cooperate with a forest of plants and a metropolis of microbes in the soil. But when drought strikes can they work together to survive? The fourth book in the Small Friends Books series, this science-adventure story explores the Earth-shaping partnerships between plants, fungi and bacteria. A beautifully-illustrated science-adventure story, created in collaboration with scientists. Engages children in the invisible world of microbes.‘The Science Behind the Story’ section allows for deeper exploration of the scientific concepts underpinning the story.

When a tree cries out in pain, some unexpected heroes come to the rescue. Nema and her gang of young nematodes (tiny worms) embark on a dangerous journey underground. The Xenos, a group of wise but deadly bacteria, hitch a ride. The story of how they help the tree is full of action, life-or-death challenges and microscopic warfare. It is a story of co-operation and ancient partnership, about events happening allover the Earth, in the hidden worlds beneath our feet. FEATURESA beautifully illustrated science-adventure story, created in collaboration with scientistsEngages children in the invisible world of microbes‘The Science Behind the Story’ section allows for deeper exploration of scientific concepts underpinning storyTeacher Notes available to support the use of this book in the classroomThe Small Friends Books series combines cutting-edge scientific research, rich narrative and beautiful illustrations to tell stories that describe symbiotic partnerships between microbes and larger life forms