AWARD-WINNING children's author Michelle Worthington visited Sheldon College year 2 students this week to share her passion for reading, writing and wildlife in the Redlands.
Ms Worthington,the author of picture books including Pugs Don't Wear Pyjamas, My Brother Tom and The Bedtime Band, visited the school on Wednesday as part of Authors for Earth Day.
A4ED is a global coalition of children's authors who visit schools and donate a portion of their speaking fee to a conservation organisation nominated by the students.
It has contributed nearly $93,000 to various organisations since its inception in 2010.
Ms Worthington said she had been involved in A4ED since the publication of her first book in 2012, and had found that the cause resonated strongly with what she was trying to achieve with her books.
"The environment in the Redlands is hugely influential (to my books)," she said.
"I live in Sheldon and we've got possums in the backyard, koalas, wallabies, lorikeets.
"It's an amazing place. We've got the bush, ocean and city so close.
"We're constantly surrounded by amazing nature and that's what inspires the characters in my books."
Students at Ms Worthington's talk learned about what an author's job entails, how her stories came to be and the real-life inspiration behind her quirky animal characters.
Ms Worthington said the students were particularly keen to be involved in wildlife conservation.
"The kids were so engaged," Ms Worthington said.
"I think kids are naturally concerned and curious.
"They have an amazing social conscience (and) like to feel empowered and engaged in conservation."
Ms Worthington's speaking fee was donated to Redlands Wildlife Rescue.
Earth Day is celebrated internationally on April 22.
