UPDATE: Local author Mrs. Strange has just launched her debut book, Gigi’s Butterfly Garden, aimed at raising urgent awareness about butterfly conservation. Released today, November 16, 2025, the richly illustrated story targets older children and young teens, emphasizing the critical role of the Cairns Birdwing in our ecosystem.
Mrs. Strange, a passionate nature lover, spent countless hours documenting the Birdwing’s life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis. “It’s such a quick and beautiful transformation. I’ve even had tears watching it happen,” she stated. The book originated from her personal photo collection, initially created for her step-grandson, but evolved into a compelling narrative following a friend’s suggestion.
At its core, Gigi’s Butterfly Garden delivers an urgent conservation message. The survival of the Cairns Birdwing hinges on the native vine Aristolochia tagala. In contrast, the toxic Aristolochia elegans (Dutchman’s Pipe) poses a deadly threat to the caterpillars. “The female butterfly uses her senses to find the right vine to lay her eggs,” Mrs. Strange explained. “If she lays them on the wrong one, the caterpillars die. It’s vital people plant the native vine, not the introduced one.”
Mrs. Strange’s mission is to inspire families, schools, and gardeners to cultivate native plants, essential for sustaining local butterfly populations. “If we keep removing trees and green areas, where will these creatures go?” she emphasized. Her commitment to conservation extends beyond the book; she previously collaborated with the Cairns Regional Council to create an educational sign about local wildlife.
Published by Jabiru Publishing, Gigi’s Butterfly Garden will soon be available online and at local retailers, including Cairns Books in Cairns Central. “I’ve really enjoyed creating it,” Mrs. Strange noted. “It’s all self-funded, but worth every cent if it helps raise awareness and teaches children the wonder of nature.”
This release comes at a pivotal time for environmental conservation efforts, as habitat loss threatens many species. Mrs. Strange hopes her book not only educates but also empowers readers to take action. She encourages everyone to plant native flora that welcomes local insects and wildlife, including green ants and stingless bees, vital components of our ecosystem.
For those interested in making a difference, Gigi’s Butterfly Garden is poised to be a valuable resource. Visit www.bit.ly/49dxjtC for more information or to order a copy today. This is an urgent call to action for everyone to help protect our precious butterfly populations and the environments they depend on.
