PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Plains-wanderers are amongst the most secretive, little-known and threatened birds on the planet - not just Australia. They are the only member of their family, and ranked the fourth most important species in the world! So a children's book that introduces these special birds is a welcome one. Information is simply and concisely presented, from their habits, habitat, threats and the captive breeding efforts that are showing success. What makes this book stand out is the sheer quality of the illustrations, which are scientifically realistic, almost photographic in their depictions of this handsome little bird, against very soft painterly backgrounds in hues of ochre and golden brown. Give to the young naturalist aged 6-10, though I think many an older birder would appreciate this too!. Lindy
Age range 5 to 9
Julian Teh is a Canberra-based scientific illustrator. Fuelled by a lifelong passion for birds, he uses his paintings to tell the stories of his birding experiences. Rohan Cleave is a zookeeper at Zoos Victoria. His books include Phasmid and Bouncing Back, and have received CBCA Shortlist and Notable listings, a Wilderness Society's Environment Award for Children's Literature and a Whitley Award for Children's Natural History Book.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Plains-wanderers are amongst the most secretive, little-known and threatened birds on the planet - not just Australia. They are the only member of their family, and ranked the fourth most important species in the world! So a children's book that introduces these special birds is a welcome one. Information is simply and concisely presented, from their habits, habitat, threats and the captive breeding efforts that are showing success. What makes this book stand out is the sheer quality of the illustrations, which are scientifically realistic, almost photographic in their depictions of this handsome little bird, against very soft painterly backgrounds in hues of ochre and golden brown. Give to the young naturalist aged 6-10, though I think many an older birder would appreciate this too!. Lindy
The full-page, sometimes double-page realistic colour illustrations are a highlight of the book, especially an aerial image of the tiny bird among grass tussocks on an ochre cracked-mud surface - exactly as a bird of prey might view the vulnerable creature. [...] There is a useful glossary at the end of the book, among a set of background notes. CSIRO can also supply excellent Teacher Notes that fit the content to aspects of the Australian Science Curriculum for Years 1 to 4. Highly recommended for children from five to ten. -- Kevin Brophy * CBCA Reading Time * Author Rohan Cleave, a zookeeper at Zoos Victoria who wrote the wonderful book Phasmid: Saving the Lord Howe Stick Insect, has added to his collection with his latest release On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer. [...] On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer is an engaging publication with superb illustrations by Julian Teh presented in the soft brown tones of the plains. It is another fabulous fact-filled book to share with younger readers in a school or public library. -- Kathryn Beilby * ReadPlus * Told in a facts-rich narrative with life-like illustrations, with further information at the back as well as teachers' notes, this is another opportunity to highlight another seriously endangered creature that is not as well-known as others. [...] Now is the time to introduce our students not only to this little bird - adults are just 15-19cm high and weigh 40-95 grams - but to other unique Australian species through books like Amazed! CSIRO's A to Z of Biodiversity, A Shorebird Flying Adventure, Tiny Possum and the Migrating Moths, One Potoroo and Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish so that other species don't go the way of the thylacine. * The Bottom Shelf *
