Birds are curious creatures. From their unusual appearance to their unique behaviour, they really are one of the most fascinating species in the animal kingdom.
In this book you'll find colourful feathers alongside peculiar beaks, beady eyes and funny-coloured feet. You'll read of dangerous birds, clever birds, fast birds, awkward birds, silly birds, massive birds and tiny birds. You'll laugh at their odd hairdos, marvel at their remarkable hunting skills and admire their wild mating dances. Most of all, you'll learn that birds are awesome and deserve our love, care and respect.
Lifecycles, behaviours and the conservation status of birds are presented in this high-quality reference book. The author helpfully cites the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as her reference, which readers can then explore for themselves. inclusion of a contents page and glossary are useful. Beautiful illustrations dominate each well-organised double-page spread including eye catching endpapers. The facts vary for each species, relating mainly to individual peculiarities. The language is clear and a variety of different fonts and colours are used to present sections of the text, which not only helps in dividing the different types of information, maintaining rhythm and flow, but will also impact how a reader relates to the text. The imaginative presentation of this topic will engage all readers, young and old.
Have you ever wondered what the stars can tell us? Did you know the seasons can be predicted just by looking at subtle changes in nature? Maybe you have wondered about the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation. Australia's First peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth and their innovation will amaze you as you leaf through the pages of this book, learning fascinating facts and discovering the answers to life's questions.
This well produced book introduces readers to scientific contributions of Indigenous scientists and engineers, both prior to, and since, European occupation. Engagingly presented, it opens with the AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia, reinforced by topic maps within each section, providing useful reference for the scientific contributions described. The text is fascinating, and draws on aspects of science across a broad range of disciplines. Indigenous language and the inclusion of stories of Indigenous scientists provides a contemporary narrative, reinforcing authenticity and relevancy to modern life. Vibrant illustrations are appealing, and the creative layout is imaginative.
Discover 60 of the most peculiar pairs in nature and learn how plant and animal species rely on each other for their survival.
Whether it be a rare tick living in the fur of a pygmy possum, a stick insect feasting and hiding out amongst the Melaleuca or a handfish laying its eggs on a sea squirt, incredible natural relationships deserve to be explored and celebrated. Investigating all types of relationships, from symbiotic to parasitic, this is an eye-opening guide to the natural world.
Many species steer clear of those who are different, but the animals and plants in this book have evolved to form relationships with some of the most unlikely partners, and they couldn't live without them.
An exquisitely illustrated and informative encylopaedia of curious pairings and interdependencies. Text is thoroughly researched and well organised. Each ‘pair’ double page includes: scientific names, a full page detailed illustration, and the ‘fact’ information on the other (description, peculiar pairing, conservation status, diet, location/habitat, fun facts). The language is clear, with humour in parts, and explains factual and anecdotal information effectively. High visual impact enhances engagement and appeal: including large hardback, colourful, detailed illustrations and an attached ribbon bookmark, encouraging readers to return, explore further and personalise their reading progress.
*** Not appropriate for Junior School students***
Interweaving journalism, history and autobiography, Still Alive is an intensely personal indictment of Australia’s refugee detention policies and procedures. It is also a searching reflection on the redemptive power of art. And death metal.
A confronting, raw and graphic account of the history and treatment of asylum seekers and refugees under successive Australian governments. Challenging, detailed and well-researched, powerfully produced from a personal perspective — journeys from their homelands and lived experiences are interspersed with history, news events, government policy and international human rights reports and reactions. The black and white drawings, well-integrated with the text, are detailed and the inclusion of artwork by the detainees is powerful. The language is direct, occasionally didactic, and emotive at times.
When we go walking, we never know how long we will be, what we will hear and what we will see.
We pack our bags with food and water, a billy and some matches to light a fire.
We head off into the shady monsoon forest on the edge of the billabong.
Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler and Emma Long share their knowledge and love of the Top End in this enchanting and accessible book about one of Australia's most ancient and beautiful ecosystems.
Kakadu National Park is vividly presented and the setting is strongly maintained. Avatars representing the author’s rambling through the forest with young friends, telling stories and imparting information are clever. The exploration is fun, the stopping, observing and listening feel genuine, all enriching reader experience. Text and dialogue are clear and detailed. The inclusion of illustrations and labels to highlight/define Indigenous terminology (lore, animal species and bush tucker) are very effective; as is the glossary, which includes useful drawings, scientific names and page references. High level production quality; visually appealing overall.
Powerful and exciting: here are seven inspiring stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from history. Amongst these are Patyegarang, a Darug woman who worked with a British officer of the First Fleet, teaching him words from local Aboriginal languages - together they made the first written record of any Aboriginal languages; Mohara Wacando-Lifu, a woman of Torres Strait Islander, Niue Islander and Papua New Guinea heritage and the first Indigenous woman to receive the Royal Humane Society's Gold Medal for bravery; Yarri and Jacky Jacky, who led the rescue of sixty-nine people during the Gundagai floods of 1852.
This excellently produced, highly engaging book presents Indigenous historical information about significant First Nations people that has been omitted, or is less known in traditional storytelling. Authenticity and authority of voice are established in the opening pages. Creatively, two narratives per person are provided. One is a poetic and lyrical story; the captivating language lending itself to the ‘adventure’ genre. This non-stereotypical information book is imaginatively presented with a striking cover; minimalist illustrations; and a high gloss, rich and earthy ochre palette, which will interest readers beyond the final page.
(username and password - THSstories)