Written by Pamela Freeman and illustrated by Liz Anelli, Desert Lake combines narrative and informative text to invite readers to explore the landscape and wildlife of Kata Thanda (Lake Eyre) in central Australia.
The text shares fascinating details about the landscape and weather patterns that control the appearance and disappearance of the Lake. It also introduces the diverse wildlife that calls the Lake home and explains adaptations that enable the animals and insects to survive in the desert environment.
Liz Anelli’s artworks create almost tactile images of the desert environment, with the mixed media illustrations of the landscape and wildlife giving a wonderful sense of the textures of Lake Eyre and its surrounds and the various inhabitants of the Lake environs.
Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre is such an interesting location and one I am keen to add to my own ‘travel wish list’ after reading the book. As with all of the Nature Storybook titles, Desert Lake is a wonderful book for both home and the classroom. The combination of text and illustration give a glimpse of one of Australia’s most amazing natural events – the appearance and disappearance of Lake Eyre – and this book is sure to be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Title: Desert Lake: The Story of Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre
Author: Pamela Freeman
Illustrator: Liz Anelli
Publisher: Walker Books, $ RRP
Publication Date: 1 June 2016
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781921529436
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book, Junior Non-Fiction