POSSUM AND WATTLE

From A to Z, this introduction to Australian words and Aboriginal art brings the country to life. Every letter has its own spread, complete with bright and appealing paintings for each word (usually five to six per spread) separated by striking borders. Some words are specific to Australia (bandicoot, wattle, wobbegong); others are not (bee, apple, umbrella) but often have additional meaning or information relevant to a study of Australia, as noted in the glossary at the back of the book. (For example, the entry for the word bee explains that “there are over 1500 kinds of native bee in Australia.”) Some children unfamiliar with Australian words may not grasp their meaning based on the illustrations and will need to utilize the glossary with some frequency, but Bancroft—an Aboriginal artist—has provided eye-catching art that truly makes this selection unique. Reminiscent of wood-block illustrations and filled with vibrant color and flowing dots, each simple image offers much for children to examine and appreciate. (Informational picture book. 3-8)