A Good
Book.
The Great Lizard Trek.
Felicity Bradshaw & Norma MacDonald.
The unmistakeable first impression of this publication is
of the magnificent colour illustrations throughout by
Norma MacDonald, an Aboriginal Yamatji artist. Their
earthy tones and Aboriginal flavour impart a wonderful
feel and consistent theme, which is aided by the landscape
format, such that although this is intended for primary
school children, it could also almost be considered as a
coffee table book.
CSIRO Publishing
ISBN 9781486308828
RRP $24.99
Hardback, 32pp
Format: 220 x 318mm.
information about climate change and the precarious
position of many egg-laying lizards. As such, this there-
fore becomes a vehicle to pique the interest of young
readers in our unique native herpetofauna, and a variety of
important scientific concepts on a wider scale.
The text is by Felicity Bradshaw, a retired Research
Officer at the University of Western Australia. We are
introduced to a variety of lizards that are experiencing
difficulty with their eggs, due to climate change and
temperature-dependent sex determination. Led by the
Perentie, they decide to trek south to find a more suitable
(cooler) habitat.
Personally, I feel that the plot could perhaps have been a
little better developed. The only other criticism I have is
that I am not quite sure about the target audience. I am no
expert on education, but the text is written as if intended
for quite small children, who may miss the important
messages contained therein, whereas older children may
find it a little patronising. However, this is a great package
Ms Bradshaw has been at pains to introduce Aboriginal
based upon admirable objectives and is certainly worthy
names and folklore, and to tease the reader with tidbits of of further development (we look forward to subsequent
scientific information about the cast of characters - such
titles). This book will no doubt be a welcome addition to
as the capillary action used by Thorny Devils to suck up
many school libraries; it is immeasurably enhanced by the
water, parthenogensis, and the unique behaviours of small
spectacular illustrations.
dragons, monitors and Shinglebacks - much of which is
elaborated in an appendix which also contains additional
Reviewed by John McGrath.
Image
Image by
by Michael
Michael Cermak.
Cermak.