Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6 Much of the fascination with Australia is based on its isolation and unique animals. Powzyk spent several weeks at Wallaby Creek in the Australian bush near Brisbane studying and painting the wildlife she observed there. The result of her stay is this softly written and gently illustrated book which will appeal to both children and adults. Twelve animals, including koala, kangaroo, monitor lizard, cockatoo, kookaburra, dingo and platypus, are pictured. Succinct descriptions provide a surprising amount of information about each animal’s habits and behavior, and students will be lured to further research. But the primary focus of the book is, and should be, the magnificent watercolors which bring the beauty of these unusual animals to life. Each picture fills a page and includes enough background detail to allow a glimpse of the animal’s habitat. Latin names and a map are provided, along with a brief explanation of the independent evolution which resulted in the odd assortment of species found Down Under. Other books on Australian wildlife, such as Koalas and Kangaroos: Strange Animals of Australia (National Geographic, 1981) by Toni Eugene and William A. Wise’s The Amazing Animals of Australia (Putnam, 1970; o.p.), do not approach Wallaby Creek in beauty. Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Library, Tex.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
