Nature - Michele Gierck

New Native Fish Booklets about to launch

Posted on September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 by Michele Gierck

Looking forward to launching two new 12-page Freshwater Native Fish Booklets -- and accompanying educator notes -- at the Teachers' Environment Network on 10 September. Fish and river expert Scientist John will be there to answer tricky fishy questions, and the launch will be followed by a tour of the Native Fish Australia (Vic) Hatchery. What a blast. So many people and organisations have contributed to these booklets. Here's a sneak peek of the booklet (Native and Invasive Freshwater Fish Discovery Booklet) for lower primary students and teachers.

Cover of the Native and Invasive Freshwater Fish Discovery Booklet

Thrilled to visit the Native Fish Australia Hatchery

Posted on April 25, 2026 by Michele Gierck

I’m enjoying being out in the community collaborating with primary school science teachers, river educators, community groups and visiting the Native Fish Australia Hatchery! In October, we’ll be launching the Native and Invasive Freshwater Fish Discovery book for Grades 1 & 2. Here’s a favourite pic from the hatchery visit.

I know the River Blackfish hide at the bottom of rivers, under snags and logs. But I didn’t think this species would hide in the hatchery. Feeding time is likely to lure it out.

P.S. There will be more news soon about the Discovery Booklet, and the little film we plan to make at the hatchery!

Inspiring Action

Posted on November 19, 2025November 19, 2025 by Michele Gierck

Scientist John and I were delighted to discover that the children's picture book, Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure -- which he inspired and I wrote -- have inspired a local Banyule primary school to take action. Not only have they put the nationally threatened native fish species, Galaxiella pusilla (aka Gladys and Stripey), in their pond but the BIG NEWS is that they are breeding. That's fantastic.

Love Reader Responses

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Michele Gierck

Love it when a reader tells me not only how much they 'love' Gladys and Stripey, but how they have drawn inspiration from this story, and have TAKEN ACTION. The fellow who emailed me this morning has set up a pond at home, which a Southern Brown Tree Frog also calls home, (much to the owner's delight), and the aquatic vegetation is growing. Now he's thinking about fish! And he's been sharing the story -- not just the book, but all about his pond -- with his primary school students. Now, he tells me, they are into frogs and native fish! Gotta love that.

Photos used with permission.

A Fab Science Day

Posted on April 3, 2025April 3, 2025 by Michele Gierck

Loved presenting Gladys and Stripey -- my environmental children's book -- to Grade 1s at Watsonia Heights Primary School for Science Day. After the main presentation, I visited three classrooms, so each child had the chance to move their fish of choice, or eel, up (and down) the (painted) fish ladder. Nothing like a hands-on exercise to bring fun and learning together. Thanks to Emma, the wonderful science teacher, who made those endearing eels! I intend to make more over the term break.

Beginning to feel like the Fish Lady

Posted on February 19, 2025February 19, 2025 by Michele Gierck

In the last couple of weeks I was beginning to feel like the Fish Lady, with questions about the flathead galaxias, a request to visit a property re: native fish, and just finished my research and submitted the manuscript on a new children's book, which has a lot to do with Australian native fish and their habitats. Plus the orders for Gladys and Stripey keep coming in! While researching I found this wonderful video -- Fern Hames, the fish lady. I can relate to that! Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL2qjP6O1ac

Galaxiellas are not the only stars

Posted on January 20, 2025January 20, 2025 by Michele Gierck

On a recent visit to Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Scientist John and I were delighted discover the Galaxiella Billabong. Great to see our little native fish, Galaxiella pusilla, being recognised and protected. And what a hoot to have a close, unexpected encounter with a resident, and most curious, emu!

Mary River Festival

Posted on July 18, 2024July 19, 2024 by Michele Gierck

Scientist John, (who inspired my first children's picture book, Gladys and Stripey), and I, enjoyed being at the Mary River Festival at Kandanga, south east Queensland, last weekend. The Mary River flows into the lower part of the Great Barrier Reef, so improving water quality in the Mary River system is essential. Loved this fish mural which greeted us on the way into the event.

I'm currently working on some articles based on scientists who have spent decades working on the Great Barrier Reef. What an amazingly beautiful and intricately complex ecosystem our reef is. It's a delight to spend time with these committed scientists.

Never too young to start reading

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Michele Gierck

In late March, I attended the Native Fish Forum in Canberra, where my picture book about an Australian native fish was on display. (And for sale.) One of the ecologists took a copy home. Next morning he showed me this gorgeous photo of his son 'reading' Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure. What a treasure -- Never Too Young To Start Reading.

More information about the book can be found on the Gladys and Stripey page of Michele Gierck's website: www.michelegierck.com.au

Top Summer Bookshop Sellers

Posted on March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 by Michele Gierck

Thanks to Eltham Bookshop and Readings for being Best Bookshop Summer Sellers of my first children's picture book, Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure. I'll be heading to the Native Fish Forum in Canberra, next week, along with Gladys and Stripey, and Scientist John who inspired the book.