My Own Rainforest
High in the mountains near the sea, a child explores a secret rainforest filled with quiet wonders. This lyrical nature story for kids celebrates calm, discovery, wildlife and love for wild places.
🍓 This story has been written and illustrated by real humans. 🍓
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Let’s talk about ‘My Own Rainforest’!
Vocabulary
- Cradling
- Holding gently or surrounding something protectively.
- Eucalyptus
- A type of Australian tree with fragrant leaves.
- Fertile
- Rich and full of the things plants need to grow.
- Spongy
- Soft and springy under your feet or hands.
- Glistening
- Shining or sparkling with light.
- Rosella
- A bright Australian parrot, often with red, blue, green or yellow feathers.
- Diamond python
- A large Australian snake with diamond-like patterns on its body.
- Crevice
- A narrow crack or small opening in a rock, log or surface.
- Plummeting
- Falling quickly and heavily from above.
- Rockpool
- A natural pool of water surrounded by rocks.
Context
My Own Rainforest is a lyrical nature story that invites children to explore a secret mountain forest through sound, smell, touch and sight. The story uses sensory details, such as eucalyptus, soft forest floors, cracking twigs, cool shade and cold water, to help children imagine the setting vividly. Its slow, observant structure supports mindfulness, descriptive language and nature-based learning. The child notices both large and tiny signs of life, from a diamond python and bright rosella to ants, sap, spiders and a pale gecko. This encourages children to value careful observation and understand that forests are living communities made up of many connected parts. The learning takeaway is that quiet attention can help us see the beauty, mystery and importance of the natural world.
Discussion questions
Spark a conversation with your child and connect the story to real-life lessons.
Environment
- What are some signs in the story that the forest is healthy and full of life?
- Why do you think the child feels so connected to this special forest?
- What can people do to help protect forests, creeks, waterfalls and wild places?
Calm
- How does the forest help the child feel peaceful?
- Which part of the story felt the quietest or calmest to you?
- Have you ever been somewhere in nature that made you feel still and relaxed?
Discovery
- What does the child discover by walking slowly and quietly through the forest?
- Why do you think being quiet helps the child see more things?
- If you walked through this rainforest, what would you most hope to discover?
Conversation
- Which creature in the story did you find most interesting: the rosella, python, gecko, spider or ants?
- How does the child show respect for the animals they find?
- Why is it important to notice small animals, not just big or colourful ones?
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FAQs about ‘My Own Rainforest’
What is ‘My Own Rainforest’ about?
My Own Rainforest is a gentle nature story about a child exploring a secret mountain forest. As the child walks through the forest, they notice trees, insects, birds, reptiles, leaves, ferns, vines and a sparkling swimming hole. It is a peaceful bedtime story for kids about observation, wonder and love for nature.
What are the main themes of ‘My Own Rainforest’?
The story explores environment, calm, discovery and wildlife. It encourages children to slow down and notice the small details of the natural world. The story’s message is gentle and reflective: nature becomes more magical when we pay close attention.
What happens in the story?
A child travels to a special forest high in the mountains, near the sea. They walk quietly along the path, noticing sap, spiders, rosellas, a diamond python, a gecko, fallen leaves, ants, flowers, ferns and vines. At the end of the path, the child reaches a swimming hole and enjoys the cold, clear water.
What lesson does ‘My Own Rainforest’ teach children?
The story teaches children that forests are full of life, beauty and quiet surprises. It shows that being patient, still and observant can help us notice things we might otherwise miss. It also encourages respect for wild places and the creatures who live there.
Is ‘My Own Rainforest’ a good bedtime story?
Yes, My Own Rainforest works beautifully as a calm bedtime story. Its gentle rhythm, sensory language and peaceful forest setting make it soothing to read aloud. It is especially lovely for children who enjoy nature, animals and quiet adventures.
How can teachers use ‘My Own Rainforest’ in class?
Teachers can use this story for lessons about sensory writing, Australian habitats, descriptive language and environmental awareness. Children can list what the narrator sees, hears, smells and feels, then write their own nature description. It pairs well with kids books about the environment and animal stories for kids.
What animals appear in ‘My Own Rainforest’?
The story includes several forest creatures, including a spider, a bright rosella, a diamond python, a pale gecko and ants. These animals appear quietly and naturally as part of the child’s walk. This helps children understand that wildlife can be found by looking carefully and respectfully.
What age group is ‘My Own Rainforest’ best for?
My Own Rainforest is best suited to children aged 4–6 when read aloud, and older children can also enjoy it for its rich descriptive language. The story includes some advanced vocabulary, but the calm structure and vivid images make it accessible. It is a good choice for children learning to describe nature and notice sensory details.
What activities can children do after reading this story?
Children can go on a quiet nature walk and record five things they see, hear, smell or feel. They could draw their own secret forest, make a leaf-rubbing picture, or write a short description of a special outdoor place. These activities support observation, creativity and early nature journaling.
Where can I find similar stories on Storyberries?
Children who enjoy My Own Rainforest may also like kids books about the environment, animal stories for kids and kids books about mindfulness. These free children’s stories help children connect with nature, feelings and quiet observation. They are useful for bedtime, classroom reading and outdoor learning.
Credits
This story was brought to life by these awesome real humans!
- Written by: Jade Maitre
- Illustrated by: Halina Prakapenka
- Music video from “Ascending the Vale” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


