Check out these websites that contain lots of ideas and information about stories and the natural world. You can also refer to other websites listed on the Databases page.
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The job of evaluating these websites has been done for you here. We know that these are current, reliable, created by authoritative, fit for your purpose and are safe.
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When you research on your own, you will need to evaluate the websites you find – learn more about that on the Search & Evaluation Tips page.
Non-fiction
DK FindOut! is an interactive website by publisher Dorling Kingsley who specialise in high quality non-fiction children’s books. Explore information about animals and nature through facts, photos, audio and videos. It’s really easy to use and access is free and open.
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Try hovering your mouse/finger over an incredibly detailed photo of a Fennec fox staring right at you and discover all of its body part names and functions!
Kids’ Enquiry of Diverse Species has been designed by the University of Michigan in America. It allows you to research amazing creatures and biodiversity information via research facts, pictures, specimens, sounds and classifications; you can even access field guides for exploration outside.
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You don’t need any login details. Searching through the ‘critter catalog’ is a good place to start.
Fiction
Australia Reads is a not-for-profit group who promote the benefits of reading as often as possible. They’re another great source for reading inspiration through book reviews and recommendations by age group.
Children’s Books Daily has been created by Megan Daley, an Australian teacher librarian and author. It is a helpful guide of book recommendations and reading advice for children 15 years and under, mainly directed to parents (and teachers) (Daley, 2022).
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Book reviews and book lists can be filtered by age and genre.