There really is no better way to learn about Australian animals than with a book filled with stunning Steve Parish photographs. And this story is up there with the most beautiful, visually appealing pages I've seen in a picture book.
Lots of white space, with big, clear, colourful photos of real animals with the most adorable faces - this is a real winner.
This story has us sitting on a branch with the koala, saying hello to all the animals, birds, insects and reptiles as they go past. Each one has a little anecdote about the activity of the passing critter.
The rhyming text of Say "Hello" Koala is simple but fun and informative, sharing little animal secrets with children. And it's the simple things like this which help kids to learn that caterpillars eat leaves, possums wake at night, grasshoppers spring into the air - and so on.
This book appeals to all sorts of ages. Babies will love it for the bright photographs, toddlers and preschoolers will love it for the photos and bits of information, and early readers will enjoy being able to guide their own way through the introductions to the animals.
There are also handy hints for the parents of children learning to read, little tips about how to help and encourage this amazing skill along.
Just gorgeous.
Title: Say "Hello" Koala
Author: Kerry Kitzelman
Photographer: Steve Parish
Publisher: Steve Parish Publishing, $9.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781741935189
For ages: Babies through to early readers
Type: Picture book
This book is available online
