‘In the oldest rainforest on Earth, on the oldest
continent, a seed falls to the ground.’
With its
tactile, mixed media illustration style that has a particularly Daintree colour
palette and gorgeous loose yet flowing sensibility, there are pages upon pages of
incredible images and words to pore over and enjoy.
Travelling
through the Daintree from 200 years ago to the present day, we watch a Bull
Kauri pine tree grow up from being a tiny seed cone on the floor of the bush.
As well as showing us how the Bull Kauri pine persists for decades before bursting through the rainforest canopy, we also meet various life-forms which make up the fascinating and unqiue eco-system of the Daintree.
Indeed, the
narrative is mind-boggling with its thousands of species of birds, animals and
insects that inhabit this natural landscape. I spent a looong time with one
illustration, looking for the dingo that was on the scent of another creature…
was I supposed to find it? You’ll need to read the book to find out!
Alongside
the non-fiction narrative – which has gorgeous, hand-lettered words
interspersed with a Times-New Roman font - there are also facts and figures
which are enough to blow your mind. Did you know that beetles make up ONE
QUARTER of the species on earth? Well, now you do!
A sumptuous
and thorough representation of one of this country’s very special treasures.
A truly magnificent book.
Author: Pamela Freeman
Illustrator: Liz Anelli
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $26.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760653750
For Ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book