Last Bat of the Night

Last Bat of the Night (CSIRO Publishing) David Gullan and Samantha Metcalfe PB RRP $26.99 ISBN 9781486318728

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Last Bat of the Night is a delightful introduction to native Australian megabats on their nightly adventures to feed, drink and pollinate. As the stars come out, a colony of bats passes overhead on a nocturnal adventure. Who will be the one to spot the last bat?

David Gullan is an educator, writer and a lover of nature. He creates stories that introduce young learners to Australian wildlife. He hopes his books encourage children to look up, look down and then take another look around our natural world. He is also the author of the picture book Life in a Hollow.

Samantha Metcalfe is a natural history illustrator whose inspiration comes from the Australian bush. She works primarily in colour pencil, creating realistic and detailed illustrations to capture Australian native flora and fauna. Samantha's previous books include Alight and The Voyage of Whale and Calf. She was shortlisted for the 2019 Children’s Book Council of Australia Award for New Illustrator.

David Gullan has written an engaging rhyming narrative that introduces young learners to Australian megabats. The metre feels natural, not forced, and the text reads aloud smoothly. Cleverly, Gullan has included a game where someone hopes to be the one to spot the last bat of the night. This allows the book to go beyond the pages and be taken into the real world when exploring in nature. The language chosen is simple, playful and keeps the story flowing. Each page has a few sentences that have verbs that bring the Australian bats' habits and movements to life. Bats sprawl and screech among stars overhead, the children entranced as they head home to bed. Dialogue is used at just the right moments.

The text and visuals are balanced and complementary. When each different bat is featured, the name of the bat appears at the bottom or top of the spread. This allows the learner to learn the bat’s name without taking away from the storyline. Threats to bats like powerlines are gently addressed. The descriptive language gives a fullness to the bat’s natural world. The end matter includes information about bats along with the instructions how to play ‘Last Bat’. A handy glossary is included. 

Samantha Metcalfe’s detailed and realistic illustrations of nocturnal settings capture the fleeting moments when day turns to night. The pages move from warm, dusky lit skies of purple, orange and green to the dark pinks, purples and blues. White space is used to great effect with silhouettes of bats against the sky showcasing the shape of the bats as they glide over parks and trees. The illustrations really do have a magical feel and a sense of wonder. The endpapers are an extension of the story with the first spread featuring bats flying across a purple sky and the end spread showing the very last bat flying across a starry sky.

Last Bat of the Night is written for children 5-9 years and appeals to anyone who loves our natural world. Children, parents and teachers will find it an easy-to-read book that can be revisited often. The book beautifully mirrors the bats world and creates wonder and curiosity.

 

Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean

Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean by Andrew Plant (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $32.99 ISBN: 9781486320257

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A hundred million years ago, inland Australia was a sea. Flying pterosaurs built nests on islands, where they raised their hatchlings. One of the pterosaurs, Ferrodraco, teaches her babies to hunt. But she is soon carried away by a cyclone. She finds shelter on a southern cliff ledge. When she is ready, she takes flight – heading north to find her family. Along the way, she encounters Muttaburrasaurus, Weewarrasaurus, Diamantinasaurus and many other creatures of the era. Finally, she ‘hears a familiar call’ and glides to her rocky home.

Andrew Plant’s narrative non-fiction picture book is ideal for six- to twelve-year-olds who are fascinated by dinosaurs, especially Australian species. The presentation of the scientific information in story form – as well as the introduction of a compelling main character – helps kids to quickly connect to the knowledge. For those who want to find out more, Andrew has supplied extensive back matter incorporating details on the Eromanga Sea, scientific names and pterosaurs, plus a useful glossary.

Andrew’s realistic illustrations reveal the unique animals and habitats in dazzling true-to-life colour. From spiky teeth and streaky waves to prickly plants and spiral shells, every element helps to bring the prehistoric world to life. With Ferrodraco, Andrew has created a protagonist who is equal parts authentic and appealing, and in whose epic adventure readers will soon become invested. 

A fresh take on Australian paleontology, Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean is an immersive experience from the first page until the last. With its synthesis of irresistible images and striking story, it is sure to become a favourite of fossil fans both young and old.

Robot Responders: Rescue Missions to Space Adventures

Robot Responders: Rescue Missions to Space Adventures by Smriti Daniel. CSIRO Publishing 2026, paperback 92pp. RRP $34.99. ISBN 9781486318421

Reviewed by Debra Williams

“Meet the robots that dare to go where humans cannot. From blazing fires and crumbling buildings, to radioactive zones and stormy seas, rescue robots are on the front lines: saving lives, exploring the unknown and tackling tasks too dangerous for people. Whether they’re diving to the ocean floor, fixing satellites or cleaning hospitals, robots are redefining what’s possible.” – CSIRO Publishing.

This non-fiction book is a great resource for students, showing how robots are involved in everyday life. Brilliant design and cutting-edge technology have brought the automatons into an astonishing array of uses, from drones and medical assistants to space exploration and everything in between. It is full of fascinating facts, with clear explanations and eye-catching illustrations to spark curiosity and inspire young readers. This book also looks at the future of robotics.

The author, Smriti Daniel, had a career in journalism and now works for CSIRO. She had a lot of fun interviewing several roboticists for this book, although not a roboticist herself.

Designed for readers and students aged 8-12, this resource includes Teacher Notes aligned with the Australian Curriculum. They are free to download from the CSIRO Publishing website: publishing.csiro.au/book/8165/#forteachers.

Mystery of the Missing Turtles

Mystery of the Missing Turtles written by Deborah S. Bower, Ricky-John Spencer, Michael B. Thompson, James U. Van Dyke and Elizabeth Hale, illustrated by James O’Hanlon (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486320288

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

If turtles aren’t already your favourite animal, they will be after reading this book.

Brooke lives on a farm and loves nothing more than exploring the creek where she spends her days watching the skinks, water dragons, rakali and all the other animals and birdlife. But the ones she loves the most are the different types of freshwater turtles.

One day she notices there are plenty of big, old turtles but no babies.

Determined to discover why, she goes exploring, only to discover plenty of nests that all contain broken egg shells. With her father’s help, Brooke sets up a trail camera to try and find out who the thief is.

That night, the camera captures the image of a red fox and Brooke realises she’ll need to do something if she doesn’t want the turtle population to die out.

Inspired by the work of Kamilaroi Indigenous scientist, Dr Brooke Kennedy, Mystery of the Missing Turtles not only brings awareness to the often-unnoticed fate of our wildlife but also shows children that there are things they can do to help – even if it’s only on a small scale at first.

A collaborative effort between researchers, scientists, universities and government departments, this picture book is part of the 1 Million Turtles Program. Beautifully illustrated by James O’Hanlon, the story is both compelling and packed with information, including a detailed backmatter section with everything want to know about Australian turtles (including the fun stuff) and a comprehensive glossary.

CSIRO Publishing has identified Mystery of the Missing Turtles for readers aged 5–9 years (and has comprehensive teaching notes on their website) but I personally think this book is the perfect read for people of all ages who love turtles and care about sustainability and the longevity of Australia’s wildlife.

The Great Dawn Choir

The Great Dawn Choir written by Sarah Speedie, illustrated by Cindy Lane (CSIRO Publishing) PB RRP $26.99 ISBN 9781486318339

Review by Sarah Tegerdine

The Great Dawn Choir is a beautifully crafted lyrical narrative that celebrates the wonders of nature and the harmony found at the birth of a new day. Published by CSIRO Publishing, this book brings together the poetic storytelling of Sarah Speedie and the evocative illustrations of Cindy Lane, creating an immersive experience for readers of all ages.

The text invites readers and young listeners alike to witness the daily ritual of birds greeting the sunrise, emphasising unity, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The narrative’s gentle rhythm and lyrical language makes it both soothing and inspiring, perfect for reading aloud.

Cindy Lane’s illustrations of Australia’s beautiful native birds further enhance the experience, bringing vibrant colour and movement to each page, and helping readers visualise the dawn chorus in all its glory. Factual content is included at the end featuring fascinating facts about the chorus members, and the importance of their birdsong.

The Great Dawn Choir is ideal for families, educators, and anyone interested in fostering a deeper connection with nature. It serves as a gentle reminder of the magic that unfolds each morning and the importance of cherishing these moments. Whether used as a teaching tool or simply enjoyed for its artistry, it is recommended for children aged 5 to 9 especially those interested in nature and science. 

Look See Find Me

Look See Find Me by Sandra Severgnini (CSIRO Publishing 2025) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN 9781486319886

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes.

Take a journey into the world of animal camouflage and discover what may be right under your nose!                                      Discover frogs that look like leaves, spiders disguised as flowers, crabs concealed as sponges and seahorses hidden in coral.

There is something so irresistible about a search and find challenge that - no matter your age - draws you in and commands your participation. 

Look See Find Me demonstrates this brilliantly. You simply open the cover of this book and start searching. No questions asked.

Sandra Severgnini has done an excellent job in seamlessly blending the creatures into every environment - giving them that perfect degree of difficulty for readers of this age group to locate. (Whilst at times making them almost completely indetectable and as a consequence - utterly bamboozling!) 

I found myself challenged on a certain page or two trying to find the creatures hidden in (and disguised by) their surroundings. So, I was most grateful for the three pages worth of Meet the Camouflaged Creatures included at the back of the book - offering up images of the elusive creatures I'd been searching for - along with a paragraph of interesting facts and information on each of them.

Also - at the rear of the book - is an interesting read - More About Camouflage - and a Glossary.

Severgnini’ s background in botanical drawing and her passion for environmental and nature subjects is evidenced throughout this gorgeous book. 

Each double-page illustration - sometimes dense and lush, sometimes minimal and airy - reveals a completely different scene - within which are concealed a range of (up to three) skillfully-camouflaged creatures - and lists the common and Latin names of the creatures you are looking for.

Among the moss and leaves we rest.                                                                                                                                                It's where we camouflage the best.

These stunning illustrations are accompanied by rhyming couplets - which read like the kind of clues you'd expect to find in a treasure hunt - adding to the fun of it all.

Kids will absolutely enjoy pouring over the colourful glossy pages of this picture book - with eyes and fingers darting from spot to spot in their search for the hidden creatures - and I can imagine siblings and friends having 'see-who-can-find-it-first' contests - like I would have done as a kid.

My personal favourite page (in a book where all pages could be favourites), was the delicately illustrated Orchid with the cleverly hidden Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus). And I enjoyed seeing the end papers - with their rows of magnifiers at one end, then seeing them again -but this time with images of creatures behind them - at the other. 

The act of looking for and finding hidden objects (or in this case - creatures) concealed in highly detailed, larger images, is vital for children growing up with apps on screens. 

Having their eyes and minds engaged in a hold-in-your-hands book whilst problem-solving - away from the bombardment of flashy animations, rewards and constant notifications - is a wonderful means for strengthening observational skills. It is also important for increasing levels of focus, confidence, patience and memory. Essential ingredients for developing minds living in a world that's always 'on.'

Look See Find Me is an engaging, educational and fun activity-book - perfect for both home and classroom settings - and an excellent resource book for school projects and biological sciences.

Recommended for ages 5-9 years.

Teacher notes - aligned to the Australian Curriculum - are free to download from the CSIRO Publishing website: publish.csiro.au/book/8211/#forteachers

 

 

Bear to the Rescue

Bear to the Rescue by Romane Cristescu and Nic Gill, illustrated by Sylvia Morris (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486314904

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When Bear was a puppy, people thought he was adorable. But when he grew up, he became ‘too much’. He had lots of energy and nothing to do – so he made up his own jobs. His owners called him a ‘bad dog’. Eventually he was taken to a new home, one where he learned to sniff out koalas for researchers. Bear enjoyed this important task, particularly when he had to locate koalas after a bushfire. He helped the koalas and made the people happy, too.

In this educative and engaging picture book aimed at kids aged five to nine, Romane Cristescu and Nic Gill tell the real-life story of a koala-detection dog named Bear. The use of first person allows youngsters to see Bear’s world and work from a unique point of view, ensuring that they are soon cheering for this canine hero. At the back of the book there is more detailed information about Bear, as well as a handful of fascinating facts about dogs and koalas.

 

Sylvia Morris’s bright and delightful illustrations perfectly match the optimistic tone of the text. Her charming characterisation of blue-eyed Bear will appeal to all readers, especially those who adore animal stories. Even the endpapers – which feature a colony of cuddly koalas sleeping in trees – are sure to bring smiles to faces.

 

With its focus on finding your purpose in life, Bear to the Rescue proves the old adage that every dog has its day. Inspiration and information are beautifully blended into a pawsome true tale about conservation that every child needs to read.

The Very Stinky Fly Hunt

The Very Stinky Fly Hunt by Andrea Wild. Illustrated by Karen Erasmus. CSIRO Publishing 2025. Hardback Picture Book 32 pages RRP $26.99. ISBN 9781486318780.

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Keith is a fly hunter. No, not an oversized fly who hunts (as indicated with a little humorous illustration at the beginning of the story), but a scientist who hunts flies, and in particular, one of Australia’s rarest insects.

Readers join Keith on this very stinky fly search, as he hunts for a species thought to be extinct, in remote public toilets. Yes, that’s right…toilets! And if you try hard enough, then persistence pays off.

Based on a true story and beautifully illustrated, The Very Stinky Fly Hunt reveals that science is sometimes weird and sometimes a little gross, but always an adventure. It shares real science in an accessible way that will appeal to kids who enjoy all things gross and weird. It underlines messages of discovery along with the wonders of nature and the importance of all animals for biodiversity. There is Teacher Notes aligned to the Australian Curriculum available on the website: publish.csiro.au/book/8180/#forteachers.

Suitable for children 6+ years of age.

Sid and the Very Hard to Find Squid

Sid and the Very Hard to Find Squid by James O'Hanlon (CSIRO Publishing)  ISBN   9781486319664 RRP $26.99 (HB)

Reviewed by Jude Mullen

What is longer than a great white shark, as heavy as a horse, has eyes as big as basketballs but has never been seen alive? It’s the rare and elusive Colossal Squid, and Sid is setting out on a quest to be the first person to spot one.

Sid loves animals of all kinds. He has a list of the ones that are really hard to find, and on the top of his list is the world’s largest invertebrate. Sid knows that to find the Colossal Squid he will need to take a deep dive into the ocean. On his adventure, Sid sees many amazing sea creatures, and he learns that quests are not only about searching for something, but also about the wonderful discoveries that you make along the way.

This book has double value for young readers. It is both a beautifully illustrated picture book with the narrative told in rhyme, as well as a book full of interesting facts about a rare species of squid and about deep-sea exploration. It has been cleverly constructed to ensure that the information does not impose on or disrupt the narrative. The story of Sid’s quest will undoubtedly arouse readers’ curiosity about the Colossal Squid and other deep-sea creatures. So, when they finish reading the story, they can turn the page to read more detailed facts about this fascinating creature and its habitat. There is also a glossary of technical, scientific words used in the book.

Suitable for readers aged 5-9 years, this would be a fantastic resource for classrooms and school libraries. Educators will be pleased to know that teachers’ notes for this book can be found on the CSIRO website.

Rakali of the Riverbank.

Rakali of the Riverbank. Stephanie Owen Reeder. Illustrated by Rachel Gregg (CSIRO Publishing 2025). ISBN 9781486317547.  Hardback picture book 32 pages RRP $26.99

Reviewed by Debra Williams

As the sun sets, Rakali prepares to patrol the riverbank. He is on a mission to fill his belly, protect his pups and keep his home safe. But he must face feral foxes, disease-carrying black rats and toxic cane toads.

This engaging picture book reveals the day-to-day life, threats and battles of the nocturnal, aquatic, Australian native water rat, with facts about the species, including tips on how to identify and help protect them. Rakali is one of the only two amphibious mammals in Australia.

Beautifully illustrated, young readers will love this non-fiction book, which encourages conservation of our aquatic habitats and the native creatures that call them home. The book’s themes are habitats and ecosystems, animal parenting and invasive species.

There are Teacher Notes available, aligned to the Australian Curriculum, free to download from the CSIRO Publishing website: https://publish.csiro.au/book/8115/#forteachers  

The recommended reading level for this book is ages 5 to 9 years.

Cassowary Dad

Cassowary Dad written by Beverley McWilliams, illustrated by Julian Teh, (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN 9781486317578

Reviewed by – Sarah Tegerdine

Cassowary Dad is a heartwarming and visually captivating picture book that brings to life the world of the magnificent Australian cassowary. Author Beverley McWilliams, paired with the stunning illustrations of Julian Teh, delivers an endearing story.

The narrative follows the journey of a dedicated cassowary father who takes on the challenging role of nurturing and protecting his three stripy chicks. From the moment the pearly green eggs hatch with a "tap, tap, CRACK," readers are drawn into the rainforest, where the father cassowary must raise his chicks alone after patiently incubating the eggs for 52 days.

The story beautifully captures the trials and triumphs of this devoted dad as he teaches his chicks about their lush rainforest home. The challenges intensify when a cyclone tears through their habitat, putting the father's protective instincts to the ultimate test. The tension and drama of this event keep young readers engaged, while the overarching theme of family and resilience is both touching and inspiring.

Julian Teh's illustrations complement the narrative perfectly, bringing the vibrant rainforest and its inhabitants to life. The detailed and colourful images not only enhance the storytelling but also provide a visual feast for young eyes.

Overall, Cassowary Dad is a charming and educational read that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the cassowary while imparting valuable lessons about perseverance, love, and the importance of family.

It's a perfect addition to any child's bookshelf and a wonderful way to introduce young readers aged 5 to 9 to the wonders of Australian wildlife.

 

 

 

The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants

The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants by Suzanne Houghton (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486319527

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Carnivorous plants are the weird and wonderful species that eat meat to survive. They come in a range of crazy shapes and colours, and they have developed ‘several clever ways to feed’. This might sound ‘gruesome’, but these unique plants need to be protected before they become extinct. All ‘plants have a role to play’ in the ecosystem, and carnivorous plants are no exception.

Suzanne Houghton’s cheery rhyming text introduces nature-loving five- to nine-year-olds to perhaps the world’s most intriguing plant group. Simple explanations help youngsters understand the often-complex processes by which the plants catch their prey, while humorous facts – such as the tropical pitcher plant’s predilection for shrew and bat poo – are sure to elicit a giggle or two. Comprehensive notes about carnivorous plants, plus a useful glossary, at the end of the book are superb for older children who want to know more about the subject.

Suzanne’s large and vibrant illustrations invite readers deep into the riveting realm of carnivorous plants. Kids will almost feel like ants themselves, as their eyes climb sticky stems and slide into slippery pitchers. One of the most striking spreads in the book features red-and-green pygmy sundews that resemble viruses under a microscope. The detail in each image is amazing!

Exploring beyond the common Venus flytrap, The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants opens a whole new botanical sphere for budding biologists. While examining these extraordinary plants, they will discover the importance of biodiversity, symbiosis and conservation to a blooming planet.

Hatch

Hatch by Heidi Cooper Smith. CSIRO Publishing 2025. Hardcover Non-Fiction Picture Book, 32 pp, RRP $26.99. ISBN 9781486318278.

Reviewed by Debra Williams

What kind of animals lay eggs? Where do they lay them, and how do they look after them?

This book introduces young readers to some of Australia’s egg-laying mammals and monotremes. It takes the reader on a journey inland, to the treetops high above, then back down to the underground and a waterhole, finishing back at the sea once more. It includes reptiles, birds, and insects, along with their habitats.

Hatch (from the illustrator of the Amanda Commander chapter book series) has beautiful illustrations containing plenty of detail for kids to explore. It includes animals found in the Australian bush and sometimes city backyards to encourage children to observe them and their behaviour for themselves.

With a glossary in the back, it is aimed at a reading level of ages 5-9.

 

There are Teacher Notes aligned to the Australian Curriculum available to download from the CSIRO Publishing website: publish.csiro.au/book/8159#forteachers.

Wombat Poos Are Square

Wombat Poos Are Square (CSIRO Publishing) Sophie Gillies & Karen Erasmus PB RRP $26.99 9781486308759 

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sophie Gillies has taught English and Environmental Studies and has a Creative Writing Degree. She lives in Canberra with her family. Karen Erasmus has been illustrating for children for years and lives on the south coast of Australia. She loves the diversity and quirkiness of Australian wildlife.

Discover all about animal poo and the important role poo plays in our unique Australian environment.

Sophie Gillies has created a fun, rhyming text packed with facts. The light-hearted humour, paired with simple and compound sentences, makes this story an enjoyable read. The opening sentence showcases how Australian creatures—from galahs and potaroos to stingrays and goannas—each do their own distinctive poos. The verbs make the information easy to absorb and keep the story flowing. Every now and then, the repeat refrain, "And wombat poos are square!" adds to the read-aloud value of the story, creating moments of laughter.

A variety of Australian animals and the types of poos they produce are covered, allowing readers to quietly learn along the way. I particularly love how the importance of each animal and their poo is recognised, and yes, the dung beetle is included too!  The ending links to the beginning. Each creature's poo is quite unique. Look closer, if you dare. You might learn something strange but true: like wombat poos are square! The backmatter is helpful, with a picture of each animal and fascinating poo facts. A glossary addresses the more scientific words and their meanings, making this a truly informative and fun read.

Karen Erasmus’ illustrations are vibrant, engaging, and full of character. The bright orange cover with a wombat front and centre with square poos immediately captures attention. The detailed endpapers feature some of our unique animals and flora in a repeated eye-catching pattern. I really love the dung beetles rolling a dung ball in varying poses. The colour palette is pleasing to the eye, and the animals featured are delightful. The illustrations capture the time of day or night the animal’s poo. The artwork captures the humour and offers playful depictions of Australian animals in their natural habitats. Each animal, from the galah to the goanna, is drawn with care and attention to detail, complementing the text. The illustrations enhance the humour and educational value of this delightful book.

Wombat Poos are Square is a picture book that really makes learning about our unique animals and their poo fun. It will inform and create awareness and an emotional connection to our unique Australian animals. To get more out of this book, get the teacher notes aligned with the Australian curriculum from the CSIRO Publishing website. This book is suitable for 5-9 years and will resonate with teachers and librarians, too.

Creature Corridors

Creature Corridors by Billie Rooney and Anke Noack (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486318100

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Wildlife corridor, habitat corridor, green corridor – or creature corridor – have you seen one? Maybe you have, but didn’t know what it was. Or didn’t even realise what it was for.

I remember the first time I saw one—a bridge, in this case. I can’t remember how long ago it was, but I was in the back seat of a car travelling down a highway and spotted this overpass-type thing stretching from one side of the road to the other. “What is that?” I asked. It looks like a footbridge, but it’s way too skinny for a human.” Later, I looked it up. “Cool!”

It was cool – but also not cool because the reason that corridor had to be built was because of land clearing to make way for humans to put that highway through native habitat, just so we could get from point A to point B more conveniently.

We could easily dismiss the impact humans have had on native habitats and wildlife numbers, but Creature Corridors chooses to examine this topic in a positive way. Yes, we’re responsible for habitat loss, but now some people are trying to make amends.

Billie Rooney has crafted a sensitive yet honest narrative that explores the different types of corridors, why our wildlife needs them and how they are used. Rooney describes a range of wildlife corridors that ensure the survival of all creatures – from koala and crab bridges to a line of trees specifically left to provide shelter and safe bird nesting. There is even mention of a ‘leafy garden with logs to hide under’ for lizards to keep safe from dogs, cats and foxes.

Anke Noack’s beautiful illustrations capture the colours of our bushland and add a touch of quirkiness to a range of native animals from all habitats, from grasslands to the sea.

In an era of ongoing construction – more cities, more roads, less green space – it is uplifting to know that there are moves to conserve our wildlife. Children need to see this sort of positivity, care and kindness, and to understand the importance of these practices continuing and expanding.

For readers, and educators, who want more than the delightful narrative, the author and publisher have also included a glossary and two double-page spreads of detailed backmatter information, the first focusing on wildlife corridors, and the second covering all animal classes (from mammals and marsupials to reptiles) and habitats and giving further information about the corridors mentioned in the narrative.

CSIRO Publishing recommend Creature Corridors for children aged 5 to 9 (Kindergarten to Year 3) – and it certainly fits into the curriculum in this range and will appeal to readers. However, I can also see older readers being engaged on a different level as they are learning about sustainability and environmental practices – either at home or at school. Either way, reading this book encourages all of us to be more aware and to consider what we can do to support our wildlife.

Our World of Wild Wonders

Our World of Wild Wonders, written by Jevita Nilson, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (CSIRO Publishing)

Earth’s wildlife is nothing short of extraordinary. There are colour-changing chameleons in the forests of Madagascar and cliff-climbing goats in the European Alps.

There are fluorescent fish in the depths of the Mariana Trench and wildfire-surviving echidnas in the Australian bush.

Our World of Wild Wonders combines a lyrical narrative, vibrant illustrations, and fascinating facts to explore our planet's unique animal species. Some are mighty, some are meek, but all are wondrous in their own unique way. Shall we explore?

Our World of Wild Wonders is available on the CSIRO Publishing website and at various bookstores.

Sensational Australian Animals

Sensational Australian Animals by Stephanie Owen Reeder, illustrated by Cher Hart (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN 9781486316892

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Once again author and researcher Owen Reed has produced an outstanding non-fiction book which is a joy: it will reward a young reader aged 9+ years with many hours of reading about the fascinating world of native Australian animals.

The book begins with an introduction to how people use their senses to associate with Australia, such as the smell of koala pee raining down from a eucalyptus tree, the sounds of thousands of cicadas shrieking on a summer afternoon, or the feeling of a mosquito piercing one’s skin and sucking up blood. It is then divided into chapters – The eyes have it! Did you hear that? Follow your nose! That’s tasty! And What a Feeling!

Each chapter examines different Australian animals. In the section titled ‘Magnificent Marsupials’ for instance, there is an examination of various animals such as numbats, southern marsupial moles, quokkas, honey possums and wallabies, and how they use their sight to navigate their worlds. We learn, for example, that quokkas, also known as short-tailed wallabies, have full-colour vision that allows them to locate the leaves, bark and grass they eat. Honey possums, on the other hand, have large eyes positioned on the front of their faces so they can look both forwards and upwards.

This is a book that has so many fascinating facts, all fully researched, and presented in clear, detailed descriptions. There’s even a section titled ‘Tasty treats’ with a break-out page ‘Today’s Menu’ which lists edible foods such as common yabbies (freshwater crayfish), witchetty grubs, bogong moths, honeypot ants, green tree ants, and purple sea urchin with a description of what each of them tastes like.

The full-colour 140 illustrations here are like the text – eye-catching, and well-worth hours of investigating. There is a four-page glossary, and an animal index at the end of the book. Be intrigued, amazed, and astonished by what insects, birds, spiders, fish, and many other animals are capable of!

Dr Owen Reeder has won the NSW Premier’s History Award and the CBCA Book of the Year Award for information books. This is nature illustrator and graphic designer Hart’s first book. Hart has created scientific communication material for journals, exhibitions, and government.

This book is highly recommended.

Walking the Way of the Dinosaurs

CSIRO Publishing released a unique and timely information picture book on 1 October 2020 for primary aged children – but adults will love this story too. Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish, features an iconic and quirky little fish that’s been around since the time of the dinosaurs. But now it’s in serious trouble.

Move over Nemo and move over charismatic megafauna, this little guy represents the smaller threatened creatures in the ocean. The Spotted Handfish is famous for two reasons: walking on its ‘hands’ (pectoral fins), and for being the one of the first marine fish in the world to be recognised as endangered.

The Spotted Handfish is listed as Critically Endangered under both the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (the EPBC Act). There are less than 1000 left.

Now restricted to walking around a small marine area off Tasmania, this handfish and its close relative, the Red Handfish, have dealt with a barrage of compounding threats over the past few decades, including invasive seastars, pollution and climate change.

Written by marine biologist and former National President of the Australian Marine Sciences Association, Dr Gina Newton, the book is narrated by Handstand, a cute cartoon handfish. Handstand tells the tale of his life on the seafloor and how he and his relatives came close to the brink of extinction. His tale is also one of the circle-of-life, and this is how scientists were able to step in to help save his species.

The book is vibrantly and cleverly illustrated by Tasmanian artist, Rachel Tribout, whose artwork brings Handstand’s tale to life. Readers are transported into a moving, frothing undersea world of blue, green and brown hues, complemented by the technical tools of science, such as boats, SCUBA and laboratories.

The world, including Australia, is experiencing an extinction crisis of its amazing and unique biodiversity. Hold On! is an important and timely tale, and a story of hope.

This book takes children into the unseen undersea world and provides an inspiring narrative of how people can use science to help save a species from extinction. The book includes a glossary and conservation timeline, and has associated comprehensive Teacher Notes that are available online.

Handstand is an unforgettable little hero, that will soon be walking his way into your hearts, minds and bookshelves!

Further information: Contact Gina Newton 0413010752, ginanewton.com; Or, Melinda Chandler           melinda.chandler@csiro.au , https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7903/