Thousands of youngsters across Lake Macquarie are set to benefit from a generous gift from a retired librarian.
Colleen Oldman has donated a copy of The Tiny Forest children’s book, along with its NSW curriculum-aligned education kit, to every primary school in the LGA, as well as its library network.
The resource will also be available to those who are home-schooled, planting lasting seeds of environmental responsibility across classrooms and communities.
Activities focus on biodiversity and habitat restoration through creative, practical projects that build curiosity and care for the natural world.
Produced by an all-local creative team including illustrator Anna Scobie and designer Noni Boss, The Tiny Forest, inspired by the work of eco-charity The Groundswell Collective, is more than a picture book.
It’s a call to action.
Through the story of Heidi, a child who discovers how small acts can lead to big change, young readers are encouraged to connect with nature and see themselves as environmental champions.
Ms Oldman, a long-time supporter of The Groundswell Collective, said the donation reflected her belief in the role libraries and schools play in shaping informed and hopeful communities.
“They’ve always been about more than books,” she explained.
“They’re about curiosity, care and connection.
“The Tiny Forest brings all of that together.”
Author Odette Tonkin, a freelance writer and journalist whose work has appeared in Australian Geographic, said the bequest ensured the story would continue to have impact beyond the page.
“The Tiny Forest shows children that change does not have to be overwhelming,” she added.
“It can start small, together and right where you live.”
The project was driven by The Groundswell Collective’s founder Anna Noon.
She said the donation reflected shared values between libraries, schools and community-led environmental action.
“Hopefully, this gift places practical tools for learning directly into the hands of educators and children across Lake Macquarie,” Ms Noon stated.
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