Tag: NLA Publishing

Australian Story: An Illustrated Timeline, by Tania McCartney

ith such a huge time span to cover, and much of it predating written history, author Tania McCartney still manages to cover a wide array of events

Once there was nothing.
Then there was something.

So begins this wonderful nonfiction offering, which uses this simple. yet powerful, introduction to then explore Australia’s history, from Earth’s beginnings, to the time of the dinosaurs, Indigenous Australia pre European exploration and settlement and through the stages of history since then to the modern day. With such a huge time span to cover, and much of it predating written history, author Tania McCartney still manages to cover a wide array of events and, imporrtantly, to acknowledge important aspects of Aboriginal history such as the Dreamtime, and the impact of European settlement on the original owners. Post settlement history includes key dates such as Federation, exploration and Australia’s involvement in war, as well as Australia’s sporting, industrial and artistic achievements, as well as natural disasters, economic development and more.

The timeline is supported throughout by illustrations including photographs and artworks from the National Library’s collection, as well as new illustrations by Peter Shaw. Young readers will enjoy exploring the visual material and the overall design of the book is excellent, being both accessible to young readers and visually pleasing.

This is an outstanding classroom or school library tool, but is also likely to be enjoyed at home for private reading, being the sort of book that can be either read cover to cover or simply browsed and dipped into.

An excellent resource.

Australian Story: An Illustrated Timeline

Australian Story: An Illustrated Timeline, by Tania McCartney
NLA Publishing, 2012
ISBN 9780642277459

This book is available in good bookstores, directly from the National Library of Australia’s bookstore, or online from Fishpond.

Our Nest is Best

Before Rocky and Ruby Robin make their own nest ready for their eggs, they decide to check out the nests of other birds to get ideas for their own. But Owl’s nest seems too big, Fairy-wren’s too small and Greb’s nest too soggy

‘It’s spring,’ said Ruby Robin. ‘Time to build our nest.’
‘Yes,’ said Rocky. ‘But what kind is best?’
“Let’s visit the other birds and find out.’

Before Rocky and Ruby Robin make their own nest ready for their eggs, they decide to check out the nests of other birds to get ideas for their own. But Owl’s nest seems too big, Fairy-wren’s too small and Greb’s nest too soggy. Finally the robins realise they need to make their nest their own way – with bark, grass and moss, lined with fur and feathers. They both agree that their nest is perfect for them – even though it wouldn’t be perfect for the other birds.

Our Nest is Best! is an educational board book which will entertain as it informs about different types of birds, their environments and, of course, their nests. Very young readers will enjoy the bird illustrations, all of which come from the National Library’s collection, while older readers will be interested in the facts which are presented through the use of a fictionalised story.

In sturdy board book format, Our Nest is Best! is suitable for children from birth up to school age.

Our Nest is Best!

Our Nest is Best! by Penny Olsen with Penny O’Hara
NLA Publishing, 2012
ISBN 9780642277374

This book is available through good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.