The former Dapto High School student said books were the reason he got inspired to learn more about science and become that "kid trying to catch lizards and snakes in my lunch break".

"My first book was Reptiles In Colour by Harold Cogger (from 1982), and I got it from my pop in 1998," he said.

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"It had another boys name in it so I crossed it out and put my own name, but this reptile book was a world of wonder for me, it was an escape."

Mr Tutt's passion to bring education through the world of books is being transfered into the new series which launches in August. The books are aimed at children aged seven to 12, and use Indigenous knowledge to explain the way Australian animals and the environment work.

"Books can really change lives," he said. "If these books do the same what Reptiles in Colour did for me I'd be so happy."

The book series will explore animal adaptions, wild weather, the Earth's surface, the solar system, electrical energy, survival, plus solids, liquids and gasses.

The first two will be released in August, with more set for release in January and June 2022.

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