2020 Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature: Shortlist

Promoting a love of nature in children is one of the fundamental elements to building a society that respects and protects our unique landscapes. That’s why, since 1994, the Wilderness Society has awarded outstanding children’s books that promote a love of nature, and a sense of caring and responsibility for the environment.

We are wildly excited to announce that A Hollow Is a Home, written by Abbie Mitchell and illustrated by Astred Hicks, has been shortlisted for the 2020 Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature in the non-fiction category (external link).

So why are hollows so important?

Incredibly, more than 340 Australian species use hollows as a shelter or home. Mammals such as gliders, possums and quolls, and bird species like parrots, owls and falcons, as well as a plethora of reptiles, frog, fish and insects.

A tree hollow may just look like a hole or a tunnel in a tree or branch. But to an animal that hollow may be a hiding place, a bedroom or even a nursery. Some animals only visit for a few nights, while others linger just long enough to raise their family or feast on something nearby. And some animals stay in the same hollow for years. Tree hollows provide essential habitat for our unique fauna.

A hollow is much more than just a hole or cavity (photo: Abbie Mitchell)

A female eclectus parrot sits pretty (photo: Alfred Schute)

Hollows come in all shapes and sizes (photo: Abbie Mitchell)

We’d like to congratulate Abbie and Astred, as well as all the authors, illustrators and publishers of the other shortlisted titles. We also like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for the Wilderness Society, and all that they do to encourage children to take an interest in nature, and recognise the importance of environmental writing for children.

If you are keen to know why hollows are so very interesting and important (hint – 300 plus animals know why) then order A Hollow is a Home from our website or your local bookstore.

You can also download free Teacher Notes from our site to delve a little deeper!