Nonfiction Monday: Over in Australia

Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under
Written by Marianne Berkes
Illustrated by Jill Dubin
32 Pages, Ages 3-8
Dawn Publications, 2011
Reviewed by Kim Hutmacher

We would like to thank Dawn Publications for providing a copy of this book for review.

Travel down under with author Marianne Berkes and learn about animal babies native to Australia. Readers count to ten, while watching the babies snap, hop, munch, splash and more all across the outback. Readers also get to enjoy Marianne’s snappy sing song rhyming text:

Over in Australia
In a tree that reached to heaven
Lived a furry sugar glider
And her little joeys seven.
“Lap,” said the mother.
“We lap,” said the seven.
So they lapped on the sap
In a tree that reached to heaven.

Back matter includes a map to help readers find out what part of the country they would encounter each animal featured. It also includes more facts about the animals and tips from the author and illustrator. This book would make a great addition to any early elementary unit on Australia.

Learn more about Marianne Berkes and her books by clicking on her interview link on the side of the page.

This book is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by The Miss Rumphius Effect blog.