Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World: A Children's Picture Book to Inspire Young Nature Heroes Ages 4 to 8

by Tania Moloney, Jelena Sardi (Illustrator)

**Kirkus' Best Books of 2023 & Kirkus' starred review**

Whether you're planting trees or helping the bees, every little action to care for nature counts!

Nature Ninja and two friends - a wise owl mentor, Boobook and a trusty sidekick, Stick - are on a mission to save the planet.

Upon realising that they're not allowed out of their backyard on their own, they question if they really can make a difference.

The story is an energetic eco-adventure that sees the characters taking a series of actions to care for nature in their own backyard.

With Boobook's guiding words and Stick's help, Nature Ninja learns that with a little patience and persistence, their actions do make a difference.

Children will follow along to see if they achieve their mission and feel empowered discovering that every little action to care for nature where they live counts.

Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World is more than just a children's book to encourage kids to care for nature. It's a unique call to action to inspire the next generation of nature heroes, taking children on an age-appropriate hero's journey.

This book is perfect for nature loving kids, families, parents and teachers who want to embed nature play and outdoor learning into their classrooms and lives. A great children's book for Earth Day - and every day!


EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"Nature plus ninjas make a winning combination!... sure fire inspiration for budding environmentalists!" - Kirkus starred review

"A fast-paced, ENERGETIC picture book showing young readers how they too can help save the natural world. Highly recommended!" - 5 STARS The Wishing Shelf

"An entertaining, attractive, and fun book to learn about nature and shows one how to be proactive in a straightforward way." - 5 STARS Readers Favorite


WHY THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND POWERFUL BOOK FOR CHLDREN AND OUR PLANET

When young children hear about environmental challenges outside of their understanding or influence they can feel worried and disempowered.

This book helps children know that the biggest and best difference they can make for the planet is to care for the nature that's right outside their door.

It shows them that when each of us care for nature in our own backyards, balconies, classrooms and neighbourhoods, together our collective actions can make a big difference for the planet.


NATURE NINJA SAVES THE NATURAL WORLD CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN'S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT BY:

- Addressing environmental issues in ways that children can understand

- Inviting and empowering children to consider ways they can care for nature
where they live

- Demonstrating personal and social and emotional skills such as patience,
persistence, teamwork and resilience

- Introducing thought provoking themes

- Featuring a unique concept, memorable plot and relatable characters

- Enhancing early literacy with quality text features such as:

* Alliteration

* Repetition

* Hyperbole

* Rich vocabulary

* Rhyming and rhythmic qualities

* Idioms

* Text that encourages active participation

* Featuring vibrant and detailed illustrations with visual elements that
complement and enhance the text


TEACHER RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GO BEYOND THE BOOK

Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World is perfect for classroom projects and includes access to nature-inspired teaching and learning resources. Links to Nurture in Nature's website to access these resources are provided inside the book.

• Kirkus' Best Books of 2023
• BREW SEAL OF EXCELLENCE – 5 Stars
• WINNER: BREW Children's Book Excellence Award 2024 - 3 Categories – Children’s Book of the Year (Overall Winner), Nature Book of the Year & Publisher of the Year (Nurture in Nature Books)
• WINNER: 2024 International Readers Favorite Book Awards – Silver Medal – Children Educational
• WINNER: 2024 American Writing Awards Children’s Book of the Year – 2 Categories – Education & Nature
• WINNER: 2024 BREW Book Excellence Awards – 2 Categories - Children's Book of the Year & Sustainability Book of the Year
• WINNER: 2024 Nautilus Book Awards – Silver Medal – Children’s Picture Books/Fiction Ages 2-6 Years
• WINNER: 2024 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards – Silver Medal – Best Cover Children’s/YA
• WINNER: 2024 BRAG Medallion
• WINNER: 2024 Purple Dragonfly Awards – Honorable Mention – 2 Categories – Green/Environmental & Picture Books 6 & Older
• WINNER: 2023 Story Monsters Approved Book Awards – 2 Categories – Picture Book Fiction & Green Living/Environmental Issues
• WINNER: 2023 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards – Silver Medal - Children’s/YA Audiobook
• WINNER: 2023 International Firebird Book Awards – Children Nature
• FINALIST: 2023 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards – Books for 6-8 year olds
• FINALIST: 2023 Funky Kids Radio – Children’s Audio Story of the Year

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Tania Moloney is the Founder of Nurture in Nature Australia and Nurture in Nature Books, Award-Winning Children's Book Author of Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World, and a nature-loving Mum on a mission.

Since 2012 she has been working and playing with children, educators and parents all over the world to help them nurture strong connections with nature and each other. She presents at national and international conferences, leads engaging professional development programs for educators, and runs innovative nature play and outdoor learning programs in her mobile classroom, The Nature Bus.

Through her work, Tania teaches children that taking even the smallest actions to care for their nearby nature can make a positive difference for the planet, while helping them to grow and thrive too.

Reviews

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read about a little green kid who decides to start saving nature in the backyard. Which is a great place to start. The world is a big place, and we can worry about that later, though problems are hinted at on one page.

Flowers, bees, grasshoppers, trees and an owl appear. The drawings are simple and clear, but the child should be an early reader or have parents read with them. If the child repeats the words they will find some rhymes.
I read an ARC copy on Amazon Kindle. This is an unbiased review.

[Books for Humanity Global · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wise owl once said, "From tiny seeds grow mighty trees," and this sentiment anchors Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World, a heartwarming environmental tale by Tania Moloney. This quote serves as both a mantra for the protagonist’s journey and a reminder of humanity's capacity to spark change. In a world where global challenges like deforestation and pollinator loss feel overwhelming, Moloney’s story redirects focus to small, impactful actions. It’s a message rooted in science, as studies confirm that backyard biodiversity efforts can meaningfully bolster local ecosystems, reminding readers that even modest contributions can ripple into profound outcomes.

The book follows Nature Ninja, a spirited child with a passion for saving the planet, despite being confined to their backyard. Guided by wise Boobook the Owl and trusty Stick the Stick, the Ninja discovers that protecting nature starts close to home. From planting trees to building a bee hotel, the story unfolds as a charming blueprint for young environmentalists, blending action with reflection. The narrative’s real magic lies in its relatable simplicity and the way it transforms mundane acts, like digging in the dirt, into heroic deeds. By the end, readers understand that saving the world is not a distant dream but an everyday possibility.

[Barry Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A new release into the 4-8 age bracket. Nature Ninja incorporates some of my favourite things; Nature, an Australian author, and reading to children. Nice story encouraging our little people to help the environment and to use their voice to make a difference. This book makes the point that children do have a voice and empowering them to use it.

I strongly recommend sharing this with your little people. Great individually, for the classroom, and playgroups.

My favourite line. “Together we will walk gently on this land and take care of it for all who live here now and in the future.”

[Candice Klopfenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important message, delightful illustrations

Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World is a wonderful book for children with an important message of taking care of nature- one of our most precious resources. The text is engaging, easy to follow and will inspire kids to look for ways to make a difference in the world around them. Love the illustrations, too. Highly recommend for parents, teachers and caregivers.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered if a single person can really save the planet? Nature Ninja thinks so! Tania Moloney's Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World is a charming story about small steps making big changes. With vivid illustrations by Jelena Sardi, it’s as visually delightful as it is inspiring. Whether planting trees or building bee hotels, the Ninja shows that even backyard adventures can contribute to a greener world. It's a book that sparks curiosity and leaves kids buzzing with ideas.

[Wade Bergner · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUN & EDUCATIONAL CHILDREN'S STORY!
I enjoyed how this story taught my students that their actions make a big difference to our planet! Truly coming to understand that their everyday decisions can either help or hurt the world we live in. A fun and educational story that will be re-read many times over.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that NATURE NINJA SAVES THE NATURAL WORLD: A Children's Picture Book to Inspire Young Nature Heroes by Tania Moloney has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[Words of Hope and Optimism · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of "small steps for big changes" dates back to ancient proverbs. In Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World, Tania Moloney reimagines this wisdom for modern readers, empowering children to take action for the planet. From planting trees to advocating for backyard wildlife, Ninja proves how simple acts can ripple into lasting impact.

[A.K. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be a nature ninja

I love this book I thought it was awesome. I like the illustrations I like the message three hours, and I think this would be a great inspiration for young children to learn about nature and help them take care of nature.

[Suzanne Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start for little children to learn the importance of their efforts in caring for Nature and that, even in their own small way, they can make a big difference and open the way for others to do the same. Your children can become ambassadors for Nature by simply caring.

[Words of the Earth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Book of the Earth Award winner. (Reference that will go live on or after 2 December 2024: https://wordsoftheearth.com/2024/12/0...)

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a winner of the Noah’s Quest® and Friends Fave Book Award. Find out more details through the following link that will go live on or after 7 January 2025:
https://noahsquest.com/2025/01/07/nat...

[Fred Fanning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Children's book

This is a good book for children. The idea of helping the world begins in your own back yard is a clever idea.

[Doug Hilberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring Story

Great story about how everyone can contribute to keeping our planet alive and thriving. Every small step counts. This is an inspiring story that teaches children that even small steps make a difference. Cute illustrations.

[Gail Blohowiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! There are lots of ideas on how kids can be a ninja in their own backyard. A great story with hands-on applications.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

gooddd amazingg book

[Claim · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a fun storybook. Very suitable to be used as a bedtime story. good luck for the future

[Butter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good, the picture are so good

[Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku yg bagus

[Arkina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World is an engaging and inspiring book, perfect for teaching kids about the environment in a fun way!

[HanaNoAmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book give me lots of new insight. Thanks for writing it. Keep up the good work 🔥

[Jenouyed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story !

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated book😍

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
5th September 2023
TITLE: Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World
AUTHOR: Tania Moloney, ill. by Jelena Sardi
Star Rating: 5

‘A fast-paced, ENERGETIC picturebook showing young readers how they too can help save the natural world. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this wonderfully illustrated picturebook all about a worm-loving, tree-hugging, puddle-jumping ninja who’s determined to save the natural world. The only problem is – the ‘problem’ is so BIG! But, with the help of Stick the Stick (excellent character name, by the way) and Boobook the Owl, they discover everybody can help, even if it's just in a tiny way.
There are many things I enjoyed about this book. Firstly, there's a lot of energy to the writing - and the artwork; in fact, there's never a dull moment. Secondly, I love how this book empowers children to have a go; to try to make a difference. As Boobook the Owl so wisely says, “We must all give a hoot about the Earth.” Thirdly, there's a practical feel to the story, the author showing young readers what they can do to help, whether it's planting a tree in the back garden or making a bee hotel.
All in all, I'm very happy to recommend this book to grandparents, parents and schools looking for fun-filled, energetic picturebooks that will encourage children to get out there and try to make a difference. I think, like the young readers, they’ll love the colourful artwork, the skilful plotting of the story, and, of course, the very important message.
To sum up. it’s a bit of a gem!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk




This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World
Author: Tania Moloney, ill. by Jelena Sardi

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘putting across a message’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“The children in my class enjoyed this short eco—adventure. The cover pulled them in – very cool! The best word to describe the book is ‘empowering’ – empowering children too look after nature.” Primary School Teacher, aged 58
“I liked the worm-loving, tree-hugging Ninja part. That was funny. I think the person who did the pics is very good too.” Girl, aged 8 – with a little help from mum
“Accessibly written with a strong environmental message, this is a fab book for the classroom.” Mother of 6 year old
“I think this book is inspiring. When I finished it I sort of wanted to go gardening. And I never like gardening!” Boy, aged 8 – with a little help from his TA
“I loved that the author not only put across an important message, she also kept it fun with cool animal characters for the young reader to relate to. “Mum of 7 year old boy

To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly illustrated eco-adventure inspiring your children to look after the world they live in. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards