animals – Page 7 – Aussie Reviews

Sheep, Goat and the Creaking Gate, by Claire Saxby & Judith Rossell

Sheep lived in a grassy green paddock complete with everything a happy, contented sheep could possibly want. But sheep wasn’t happy. Or content. In Sheep’s paddock, there was no Jellagong tree.

Sheep is happy living in her paddock until she notices the Jellagong tree in Goat’s paddock. Goat tells her the leaves of the Jellagong tree are delicious – and Sheep wants desperately to taste them for herself. But Goat won’t give her any and fiercely guards the creaking gate between the two paddocks. Finally, Sheep comes up with a plan to trick Goat into letting her in – only to find out that the Jellagong Tree isn’t as good as it looks.

Sheep Goat and the Creaking Gate is a gently humorous look at the nature of happiness, exploring the theme of the grass is always greener in a way which will make youngsters giggle whilst giving a subtle message about being satisfied with what you have.

Judith Rossell’s illustrations are delightful, using bold greens, blues and yellows to offset the white sheep and brown and white goat, as well as little collage embellishments.

This is a beautiful offering which will be treasured by children and parents.

Sheep Goat and the Creaking Gate, by Claire Saxby and Judith Rossell
Windy Hollow Books, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Cronin's Key Guide Australian Reptiles and Frogs

Australia is home to some 760 species of reptiles and 200 frogs. Among them are the largest and most fearsome predator on earth – the estuarine crocodile; the world’s deadliest snake – the mainland taipan; a lizard that walks on water – the beaded gecko; and an amphibian from the harshest deserts – the water-holding frog.

The Cronin’s’ Key Guide series provides an accessible guide to identifying the wildlife of Australia. In the fifth title of the series, Australian Reptiles and Frogs , biologist Leonard Cronin provides detailed species identification notes, including a coloured drawing, distribution maps and notes on appearance, behaviour, development, habitat and any threats to the species.

A useful field guide for a traveller or bushwalker, this would also make an excellent family reference.

Cronin’s Key Guide to Australian Reptiles and Frogs (Cronin’s Key Guide), by Leonard Cronin
Allen & Unwin, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The Python Problem, by Darrel & Sally Odgers

The snake hissed, hunching and sliding. Now I was looking straight at it, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed it immediately. I bounced back out of range. ‘It’s the escaped python everyone’s been looking for,’ I told Peter Wu. ‘Why didn’t you warn me it was in here?’

When a Python escapes from its tank, the whole neighbourhood is concerned, and Trump must help Dr Jeannie reassure the patients. But on a wet day, Trump finds more than she bargains for when he responds to a distress call from a trapped Siamese cat. She needs to rescue both the cat and the snake.

The Python Problem is the fourth title in the wonderful Pet vet series, featuring Trump, the daughter of Jack Russell, dog detective, from the series of the same name. There are plenty of dog and cat characters in the series, but also the more unusual animal characters such as Diamond, the python. As well as a high-interest story, The Python Problem has elements designed to both appeal to young readers and to enhance their reading – including black and white line illustrations (by Janine Dawson) , definitions of difficult words, and comments on pet care from Trump.

Another great offering in a wonderful series.

The Python Problem (Pet Vet), by Darrel & Sally Odgers
Scholastic, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond . Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The ABC Book of Animals, by Helen Martin & Judith Simpson

The ABC Book of Animalsfeatures a wide range of animals from all over the world. Baby animals hatch, squirm and totter. They hitch rides with Mum or make their own way. There are words to describe how different animals move and the noises they make. There are bushland animals, grassland animals, sea and snow land animals. Even farm animals are here, making their farmyard noises. Animals have different skin. Some have scales, others feathers. Some skin is soft, some tough and leathery. And finally animals sleep. Each double page spread with multiple animals and descriptions is followed by spreads with a more detailed look at selected animals in their habitat, eating, moving and sleeping.

The ABC Book of Animals is a sturdy board book, perfect for little fingers. It is easy to imagine it becoming a household favourite. The range of pictured animals is wide and varied. For the younger child there are animals to identify. For the older child, there is information related to each animal and about their habitat. They can also act out the movements described, and play at hopping and swooping, growling and hissing. The illustrations are realistic both in form and colour and are beautifully rendered in watercolour. A perfect first book on the world of animals. Recommended for toddlers up.

The ABC Book of Animals, Helen Martin and Judith Simpson, ill Anne Bowman
ABC Books 2008
ISBN: 9780733323829

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Little Bush Babies and Mummy’s Little Bush Babies

Little Bush Babies and Mummy’s Little Bush Babies are united by the ‘Smart Babies’ tag, which suggests perhaps that these are just the first two in a new series from Black Dog. Little Bush Babies features photos of baby Australian animals accompanied by captions that track through a typical day for a small child. It begins and ends with sleep. In between, the text describes getting dressed, eating, playing and bathing. There is a different baby animal on each page. Mummy’s Little Bush Babiesfollows a similar pattern in that there are different animals on each page, but each shows mother and child together. The text details the interaction between mother and child from the child’s point of view and ends with an affirmation of the love between them.

Little Bush Babies and Mummy’s Little Bush Babies are both sturdy board books, with beautiful close up photos of Australian wildlife. Simple large font text appears on every page and swaps between black and white to ensure clarity on the coloured pages. Some of the images show the animals in their habitat, while others have been set on brightly coloured backgrounds. Small children learning about books can simply look, and enjoy the images. Parents or others reading to small children can introduce some of Australia’s wildlife as well as reinforcing daily routines or affirming relationships. Recommended for babies and pre-schoolers.

Little Bush Babies comp Black Dog Books, 2008 ISBN: 9781742030425
Mummy’s Little Bush Babies comp Black Dog Books 2008 ISBN: 9781742030432

Cranky Paws, by Darrel & Sally Odgers

‘Hello, Thomasina,’ I said. ‘I know you feel really bad just now. You’re scared, and you hurt, but you will feel better very soon. Dr Jeanie has just-’
That was as far as I got, because Thomasina stopped looking dazy and hazy, and tried to leap away.

When Davie brings an injured cat to Dr Jeanie’s vet clinic, he says its name is Thomasina – but Jeanie and Trump decide the cat’s name should be Cranky Paws. Cranky Paws spits and scratches whoever comes near – Trump, Dr Jeanie, even Major Higgins, the visiting cat. It seems no one can calm her down – but Trump has a plan.

Cranky Paws is the first book in the new Pet Vet series. Set in Dr Jeanie’s vet clinic, and told through the eyes (and voice) of Trump, a Jack Russell puppy, who is also an Animal Liaison Officer (ALO). Trump may be familiar to some readers, being the offspring of Jack Russell, Dog Detective, from the series of the same name.

With lots of interesting animal characters, different textual elements including word definitions, maps and diagnosis notes, there is plenty to draw young readers in.

Suitable for readers aged six and up, and ideal for those making the transition to chapter books and independent reading.

Cranky Paws, by Darrel & Sally Odgers
Scholastic, 2008

Black Baron, by Robyn Opie

Turning around, Dad glared at me and held up his hand like a policeman stopping traffic. “I’m not sharing my house with a cockroach as if…as if…” He flung his hands in the air, turned around and stormed off.
Black Baron didn’t take up much room, I thought. Besides, no one was using the space under my bed. “He’s not hurting anyone,” I tried again.
“It isn’t natural,” Dad said. “People don’t keep cockroaches as pets.”

Jake’s cockroach, Black Baron, is on a winning streak. In Fact, he’s probably the best racing cockroach ever. But Jake knows that Black Baron wouldn’t be welcome in the house if Mum knew he was there. That’s why Black Baron is kept under the bed, which is a great place until Mum tidies Jake’s bedroom and not only discovers the cockroach but also inadvertently releases it. When Dad calls in the exterminator, Jake thinks he’ll never see Black Baron again.

Black Baron is one title in the new Lightning Strikes series from Walker Books, a series aimed at 9 to 14 year old readers, and likely to engage reluctant readers with its contemporary look and non-threatening length.

Black Baron is humorous, with chaos ensuing as Jake searches for his cockroach and tries to prevent it being exterminated, but also touches on serious issues such as family conflict and financial stress. The friendship Jake shares with his mates is also a very positive element of this story.

A great read for upper primary aged readers.

Black Baron, by Robyn Opie
Walker Books, 2008

Diary of a Wildlife Photographer, by Jan Latta

Jan Latta is a wildlife photographer and this is her diary, complete with photos. Jan had planned to do a photo essay on another wildlife photographer, but her initial trip to Africa ignited a passion for capturing wildlife images herself. Her diary spans 12 years and although most of it is in Africa, there are also entries from India and China. Each new chapter page features a border, a country and date stamp similar to a postmasters stamp. Photos fill each opening and the text explores the circumstances in which each photo was taken. There are photos too of the landscape occupied by these remarkable animals and photos of some of the people Jan worked with in gathering the images. Despite challenges with permits, wars, weather and more, Jan has gathered a book-full of wonderful wildlife images.

Many people have been fortunate enough to see wonderful pictures of some of the world’s most amazing animals. These images appear in books, on the internet, on television and in the cinema. Seldom is the opportunity given to discover what’s involved in capturing these images. Diary of a Wildlife Photographer does this. The reader learns of the danger, exhilaration, permits, disappointments, strange nightly noises and insect bites that are part of the search for the best images. There are notes about the behaviour and habitat of some of the animals, but there is no intent to produce a non-fiction textbook. This diary, with its wonderful collection of experiences as well as photos offers the reader an up-close-and-personal look at the world of wildlife photography as well as the world of the wildlife. Recommended for mid- to upper-primary readers, although younger readers will enjoy the images and older readers may enjoy reading the diary entries to see if they have what it takes to be a successful wildlife photographer.

Diary of a Wildlife Photographer, by Jan Latta
ABC Books 2008
ISBN:9780733320408

Hoosh! by Janeen Brian

They are as tall as doorways and weigh around 450 kilograms.
They have two sets of long, curly eyelashes and extra inner eyelids to see through during sandstorms.
They are smelly and flies love them.
They can drink about 100 litres of water in a couple of minutes.

Camels are not native to Australia, yet they have played a very important role in our nation’s history since first being introduced in 1840. They have carried explorers, moved freight across the country, and played an essential role in massive construction projects such as the Rabbit-Proof Fence and the Canning Stock Route.

In Hoosh! Camels in Australia, author Janeen Brian provides a comprehensive study of camels, focussing on their role in Australia. From their evolution and physiology, to their introduction into Australia, their roles in Australia’s history, and a discussion of their current and future role.

Brian uses accessible language and her comprehensive research into the subject is evident – this is no lightweight treatment of the subject. The text is complemented by colour and black-and-white photographs, maps and sketches, providing a visually pleasing presentation, which kids will be drawn to – especially captivated by the cover photograph of the camel’s face, his mouth and nose shown in close-up detail.

This is an outstanding nonfiction offering. First released in hardcover, and shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards in 2006, Hoosh has now been released in paperback.

Hoosh! Camels in Australia, by Janeen Brian
Paperback edition, ABC Books, 2007

You can buy this book online from Fishpond

Rhino Neil, by Mini Goss

Reviewed by Kathryn Duncan

Living in a zoo filled with exotic animals doesn’t always mean that you have friends. Rhino Neil is big, and because the other animals in the zoo find him scary, he is lonely. Then, one day a new animal arrives and Neil is no longer the biggest animal at the zoo. The arrival of Tuscany means the arrival of a new friend for Neil.

This is a wonderful story inspired by one of Mini Goss’s children and a visit to Werribee Zoo. We meet a fantastic range of African animals; giraffes, zebra’s, ostriches and antelope’s as we learn why they fear Rhino Neil. The book is an excellent way to promote discussion about fear, likes and dislikes.

The illustrations are beautiful, bright and emotive. Mini Goss’s ability as an illustrator is highlighted through her wonderful use of perspective and showing Neil as he appears to the animals. Using symmetry and shape well, the animals fill the pages, showing their emotions through their facial expressions and in particular their eyes.

This is a well written, enjoyable story that does not waste words. The language is suitable for early readers and it is easy for younger children to follow and listen to. The illustrations will delight everyone. A highly recommended read for everyone who enjoys picture books.

Rhino Neil, by Mini Goss
New Frontier, 2005