Toby and Charlie, two young tree kangaroos that live in the Daintree tropical rainforest, are the narrators of this story.
Men have come with loud chainsaws and have attacked their trees. Toby and Charlie raise the alarm. Destruction of the forest means the loss of habitat and food source of thousands of animals, birds and insects.
Toby spreads the word of a meeting at Smooth Pond. The cassowaries of the area are proud and strong. They will stand and fight!
All the animals continue spreading the word, from area to area. The quiet owls that only speak when they have something important to say, are now fluent and loud.
Some animals feel that they are too far away to be affected by the tree cutting.
But Toby quickly points out that a mass migration will take place if the men succeed in cutting down that area of trees.
All the animals will then have to move into other areas to find food to survive. There won’t be enough for all then.
The meeting takes place. So does the attack!
All the animals follow the plan. First the noise. Then the physical attack.
The forest is saved!
Ideal for reluctant readers, this beautiful story tells of the power of unity, even in the animal world. Through the descriptive narrative, a view of the forest and the trees, and the way animals support and look out for each other, is made visible.
It also awakens awareness, and the motivation and interest in children to protect our wildlife, their surroundings and the beauty of the natural world.
Title: Toby the Rainforest Warrior
Author: Ron Day
Illustrator: Muza Ulasowski
Publisher: Morris Publishing, $ 17.95
Publication Date: 1 May 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN:9780648878254
For ages: 6 – 10
Type: Junior Fiction