Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under
Berkes continues her series of wildlife books based on the popular tuneOver in the Meadowwith this work highlighting Australian animals & habitats . . . Brightly patterned and richly textured collage illustrations depict creatures in scenes that reflect their natural surroundings. Readers will greatly enjoy singing the tune as they learn about each animal. Extensive backmatter provides more information about Australian wildlife, including animals hidden on every double-page spread that readers are encouraged to go back and find. . . --Kirkus Reviews (Feb. 2011)With a fluid text and lively illustrations, this picture book introduces 10 Australian animals: saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, koalas, platypuses, rainbow lorikeets, wombats, sugar gliders, brolgas, bilbies, and emus. Many writers have used the structure, rhythm, and rhyme scheme of the traditional rhymeOver in the Meadowas a vehicle for similar topics, but few have adapted it as successfully as Berkes. Varied effects of painted, printed, and textured elements enhance Dubins vibrant collages of cut and torn papers. . . . A great choice for classroom units on Australia. --American Library Assn. Booklist (March 2011)