Run Tree Run (Kelly Alsop, illus by Boris Silvestri, Jo Jo Publishing)

Using a picture book to make a political statement can backfire if it comes across as too didactic and earnest. But children do understand environmental messages, as evidenced by the success of The Lorax. Run Tree Run was inspired by a desire to protest against a proposed billion-dollar bauxite mine near the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in far north Queensland. The vibrant, colourful illustrations by Boris Silvestri depict the beautiful flora and fauna, whose existence will be at risk if the mine becomes operational. One day the creatures’ daily activities are interrupted by a ‘brom, brom, chug’ noise, and they are duly informed by a red-tailed black cockatoo that trucks, humans and machinery are on their way. The wise old tree warns the startled sugar glider to look for a new home, but he has a hard time doing so after run-ins with galahs and snakes. Other animals such as the goanna, rhinoceros beetle and cassowary are also on the lookout for alterative homes. However, the tree, rooted to the spot, is unable to make its escape, and reflects that a long time ago another mine threatened the forest but some ‘caring humans’ chained themselves to his mother tree and prevented the construction of the mine. Will the present danger be averted? The open-ended conclusion gives rise to discussion for primary-aged children and their carers.

Thuy On is a Melbourne-based reviewer and the books editor of the Big Issue