THE LIVING WORLD EXPLORER
The Living World Explorer Young Reader Series
The Living Forest
Book 1 in the Series
The Living Waters
Book 2 in the Series
The Living Earth
Book 3 in the Series
The Living Sky
Book 4 in the Series
About Susan L Williams
Susan L Williams is an educator, author, nature enthusiast, and lifelong horsewoman with a passion for helping people of all ages reconnect with the living world around them.
Inspired by the forests, waterways, landscapes, and wildlife of Australia, Susan created the Living World Explorer series to encourage curiosity, observation, and a deeper appreciation of nature. Through the adventures of Maya and her family and friends, young readers are invited to discover the wonders of forests, rivers, earth, and sky while developing a sense of connection and care for the natural world.
Susan is also the creator of The Living Forest – A Professional Course in Forest Therapy & Sylvotherapy and is developing a broader Living Elements™ framework that explores the therapeutic value of nature through learning, reflection, and immersive experiences.
Together with her husband, Susan is establishing Whispering Gums Estate in East Gippsland, Victoria, where future nature-based gatherings, immersions, and educational programs will bring the Living Elements philosophy to life.
When she is not writing, teaching, or creating new adventures for Maya, Susan can usually be found exploring the bush, spending time with her horses, or discovering new ways to help people reconnect with nature and themselves.
The Living World Explorer Young Reader Books
THE LIVING FOREST
Book 1 in the Series
THE LIVING WATERS
Book 2 in the Series
THE LIVING EARTH
Book 3 in the Series
THE LIVING SKY
Book 4 in the Series
I'd love to discuss your thoughts about my works
Have a question about the books, Melodations™, or the Living World Explorer series? I'd love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most asked questions about The Living World Explorer series and Melodations™
The Living World Explorer series has been written primarily for children aged 7 to 12 years. The stories are designed to be engaging and accessible for independent readers while also providing opportunities for parents, grandparents, and educators to share the journey with younger children. Many adults have also enjoyed reading the stories alongside their children and discussing the ideas they explore.
While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, reading them in order allows readers to follow Maya and her friends as they explore different parts of the natural world. The series begins with The Living Forest, followed by The Living Waters, The Living Earth, and The Living Sky.
Melodations™ are unique audio experiences that combine music, storytelling, positive messages, and imagination. They are designed to complement the themes of each book and encourage relaxation, reflection, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature. Children can listen at bedtime, during quiet time, while travelling, or whenever they want to revisit the world of the story.
The Living World Explorer series combines both adventure and learning. Maya, along with her family and friends, explore forests, waterways, landscapes, weather, and wildlife through engaging stories while discovering real-world concepts about nature, observation, curiosity, and environmental awareness. The aim is to inspire children to see the natural world with fresh eyes and develop a lifelong appreciation for it.
Yes. Additional resources are being developed to support the series, including activity sheets, nature journals, reflection exercises, and educational materials. These resources are designed to help children extend their learning beyond the books and encourage meaningful experiences in nature with families, schools, and community groups.
Contact Sue Williams
