Australia and New Zealand, A True Book  •  Elaine Landau CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) An overview of the nature, citizens and history of Australia and New Zealand for children 6-8. With its large color photographs and focus on kid-friendly topics (such as marsupials), this book is an engaging introduction to the region. (AUS121, $6.95)
Australia, Enchantment of the World  •  Ann Heinrichs  •  Martin Hintz CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A comprehensive overview of the geography and people of Australia for children ages 9-12. A volume in the Enchantment of the World series by Children's Press, this book is a thoroughly illustrated description of the nature, history, people, religion, culture and economy of Australia. (AUS53, $37.00)
The House of the People  •  Ron Bacon LITERATURE •  1989 •  HARD COVER  • 36 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) This picture book features the "Oldest Tohunga", a staple character in Ron Bacon's books for kids. Tohungas are Maori shamans, and here the Oldest Tohunga oversees the construction of a marvelous meeting house for his village. For beginning readers. (NZL47, $11.99)
Life in the Rainforest  •  Erbacher, John  •  Sue Erbacher NATURAL HISTORY •  1993 •  HARD COVER  • 63 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An overview of the nature and structure of Australia's tropical rain forest geared for ages 11-14. The book, which features dozens of color photographs, covers how the rain forest works, its wildlife and issues of rain forest destruction and introduced species. The authors are documentary filmmakers based in Queensland. (AUS52, $23.00)
The Moas  •  Katie Beck NATURAL HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 28 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) In this parable, winningly illustrated with pencil drawings by the author, young Moki must learn to fly in order to escape the Maori hunters. Unfortunately, Moki is a Moa bird, a giant (now-extinct) flightless bird of New Zealand, so escape is not so easy. Katie Beck's book has been acclaimed by educators and conservationists alike. It's suitable for ages 9 to 12. (NZL50, $15.95)
Stowaway  •  Karen Hesse LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 320 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) For this novel, renowned children's author Karen Hesse imagines the voyages of Captain Cook (including landings in Australia and New Zealand), from the point of view of a young stowaway named Nicholas. Ages 9-14. (OCE81, $6.99)
Uluru, Australia's Aboriginal Heart  •  Caroline Arnold NATURAL HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An overview of Ayer's Rock (now known by its traditional Aboriginal name Uluru), its geologic formation, surrounding wildlife and influence on Aboriginal culture. Designed for middle school children, the book features a nice selection of color photographs. (AUS155, $16.00)