Review: Australia's Baby Animals

If I had to choose just one word out of all the words in the world to describe this Non-Fiction Picture-Book, I think I’d have to go with ‘phenomenal.’ 

Oh sure, the scope and quality of information and artwork is wonderful, clever, wholesome, uplifting and any manner of others, but still my one-word description stands.

Published in a large format which best showcases its many beautiful artworks, this is a collectible companion book to Australia: Country of Colour!

Award-winning author/illustrator Jess Racklyeft takes us on an incredible journey across earth, sky tree, river and sea, to explore and celebrate the baby animals found within Australia.

Review: The Hullabaloo About Elephant Poo

Somewhere, in the recesses of my memory, I recall the ancient use of animal poo for building dwellings and being burnt as fuel for heat. 

But I don’t ever remember there being such a hullabaloo about its multitude of uses. Until The Hullabaloo About Elephant Poo kersplatted onto my desk.

If you are in any doubt as to the sensationally sustainable qualities of elephant poo, look no further than this humorous homage to an elephant’s busy behind.

Renowned author, Dee White escorts readers through a giddy roundup all things great and glorious about the waste product of the largest mammal on earth. Facts and figures come fast and furious. Faster in fact than it takes for elephant poo to hit the ground! From how much they deposit daily to the number of times they need to do so.

Review: Taronga Presents: Poo at the Zoo, Bk #1; Party Animals, Bk #2

Here is an excellent series of four illustrated chapter books, created in partnership with Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Poo at the Zoo is the first.

Sophia and Ollie are best friends and have many things in common. Both love animals. Sophia wants to be a Wildlife Vet like her mum, who works at Taronga Wildlife Hospital. Ollie wants to become a Biologist or Zookeeper. His dad also works at the Zoo.

Two weeks of school holidays begin, and the friends start their volunteer traineeship. They are given lanyards, but don’t know what to expect. When told their first task is collecting poo from the animal enclosures, they are initially shocked.

They are allocated to the koala Mateo, under supervision. Tthey know all the animals’ names as they spend most of their spare time at the Zoo), 

Each day they must collect and count all the koala faecal. This is the way Mateo’s health is monitored. The poo is then taken to the lion enclosure.

It’s ‘guess the poo’ time and the friends must identify which poo has come from which animal. (An illustration shows the different types of poo).

The two friends are determined to accept and undertake, whatever is expected, for them to become official volunteers.

Sophia and Ollie are dedicated and enthusiastic.  Even with the not-so-pleasant tasks. They adapt and overcome all difficulties they encounter, as they head in the direction of their dreams.

The friendship between Sophia and Ollie is built on an easy-going familiarity and light-hearted humour. Animal jokes are scattered through the text.

The story line includes the internal and external workings of the Zoo, the roles of the staff, happenings in the Wildlife Hospital, and the language used when referring to animals and their care.

Snippets of animal behaviour are included, and at the end, through Ollie’s Fun Facts, which are diligently recorded, are statistics regarding the animals released back into the wild.

The setting of this title is the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

 

It’s Ollie’s birthday. His parents have organized a special day for him at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, in Dubbo. All Ollie wants is to have Sophia share the surprise with him, as she hasn’t visited that area since she was very young.

As volunteers at the Sydney Zoo, the children are given access passes. Max, Ollie’s dad, has rented bikes to enable them to explore the Zoo at their ease.

Sophia has ordered something special for her best friend. But it hasn’t arrived yet. She becomes anxious and distracted.

Throughout the day, she keeps making excuses to check at the office if the parcel has come.

Will Ollie think Sophia is keeping secrets from him? This question buzzes through her head.

Sophia’s behavior is irritating Ollie, and she knows it, but can’t risk spoiling things by explaining why to him.

The day passes with them catching up with animals that have been transferred to Western Plains from Sydney.

Will Sophia’s parcel arrive on time?  

Because of the character Ollie’s ability to collect and retain facts, a great deal of overall information surrounding the animals’ lives: their habits, diet, and habitats, flow through his dialogue.

Readers will benefit from the wonderful new words associated with the animals which will educate and expand their vocabulary.

This series opens a new avenue of interest for children regarding futures in animal care.

Title: Taronga Presents: Poo at the Zoo, Bk1; Party Animals, Bk#2
Author: Kristin Darell
Illustrator: Laura Wood
Publisher: Penguin, $14.99
Publication Date: 3 September 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761347436; 9781761347443
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction

Review: Wild Australia

Our Marine and National Parks are protected areas. Before we set out on our journey of discovery, there are things to do and know. 

The lists of vital preparations to be made before setting out to journey though Wild Australia should be adhered to.

These necessities create an immediate awareness of the environment and our role in its protection, from the first page where it sits in the company of a numbered map of Australia. 

Look out for wildlife is a main one.

Review: 31 And A Half Things To Know As You Grow

This delightful book by two award-winning creators in author Meg McKinlay and illustrator Nicky Johnston, will make a beautiful gift for new babies and young readers alike.

A gorgeous, sometimes whimsical offering that provides the seeds of good advice and encourages small people to stand in their power, it shares ideas and thoughts on useful and fun stuff to know as you’re growing up!

Review: Taronga Big Book Of Animals

This sumptuous book contains over 200 fabulous and fascinating wildlife facts, along with more than 140 glorious illustrations of animals. It is indeed a feast for the eyes and the senses.

Did you know that pandas can do hand-stands?

That some penguins make their very own poo bombs?

Or that tigers have spikes on their tongues?

Well now you do. You’re welcome.

The world-class wildlife experts at Taronga zoo have captured some of the most exciting and crazy information for us to laugh at, marvel over and wonder about. AND they remind us that although this is the current leading-edge science, it may not always be – so it’s important to remain open and curious about the world around you.

Four artists and a designer (who we meet at the back end of the book) have brought the animals to life visually in the most beautiful ways. The layout, colour, line, space, movement, flow and vibrance of the information and illustrations are very special – alive and engaging.
There is so much to love about this book, not least that it’s divided into segments with easy to read maps - which help us to navigate our way through chapters organised by habitats that feature land animals, mountain dwellers, sea creatures, and the like.

Coloured side tabs indicate where in the book you are, and each page is chock full to the brim with text boxes, fun facts, vibrant colour or engaging double spreads with dreamy colour and gorgeous design.

This lush, friendly book contains much to pore over and marvel at. It’s perfect for dipping into at leisure, and a wonderful bonus – it also shares the Taronga Conservation Society’s important work with endangered and critical species.

It will no doubt adorn coffee tables, perhaps become the centrepiece for family games, and be a frequent visitor on bedside book piles.

Perfect for Christmas! Or as a gift for any special occasion. 

Title: Taronga Big Book Of Animals
Author: Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Illustrators: Various
Publisher: Penguin, $39.99
Publication Date: 29 October 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761347467
For Ages: 4+
Type: Non Fiction

Review: Plantabulous! More A to Z of Australian Plants

‘I wonder what that plant is called?’ Ever heard yourself or your kids saying this? Me too! I often find myself walking through the bush curious about the name of plants. 

Plantabulous! More A to Z of Australian Plants not only helps me identify plants with indigenous, common and genus names but also captivates with its vivid illustrations and inspiring information. 

Plantabolous! details 26 native plants and follows up from, Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants. It also includes a glossary and a map with a list of plant ecoregions. 

A botanist with a passion for Australian native plants, Catherine Clowes has created a thoughtful book which exudes her enthusiasm. For each letter of the alphabet, a plant is listed with striking illustrations, an activity and facts. For example, did you know that the native palm called burrawang, is a plant from before the dinosaurs! 

Review: Off To The Nursery: A Celebration Of Gardening, Plants And Seasons

This super-duper-hardcover picture book (perfect for surviving the gardens it will undoubtedly end up being read in!) is a feast for the senses.

It’s got two curved edges and a brightly coloured cover which includes a little bit of neon orange, along with a very enticing array of plants in a basket.

Spring is here and it’s time to plant the garden.

Review: Hazel's Treehouse

Hazel’s Treehouse is a beautiful hardback book, the perfect size for holding in small hands and with just enough texture and colour on the cover to make it feel very special indeed.

In this collection of delightful short stories with exquisite, timeless and funny line drawings, we meet Hazel and her friends.

‘Hazel is nine years old, as long as her bunk bed and as kind as a marshmallow.’

Hazel shares a treehouse in the bush with Pokey the ‘feelings’ echidna, Odette the pademelon, Walter the wombat and little Tiny, the honey possum. Together the friends get up to all sorts of mischief and adventure – in the very best of ways.

I personally don’t know of any 6-year-olds who wouldn’t want to live inside this beautifully rendered treehouse with a menagerie of Australian animals as their best friends.