What’s That? Australian mammals (Myke Mollard, Woodslane)

This educational picture book for young children begins by telling us that every modern mammal descended from a common ancestor from around 180 million years ago, and that it’s up to humans, as the most intelligent mammal, to ‘determine the future of our planet’. What’s That? Australian mammals introduces children to Australia’s unique monotremes, marsupials and placentals. Author Myke Mollard (Australian Backyard Birds) dedicates a page to each animal with a fun alliterative title (such as ‘Heartwarming Honey Possums’ and ‘Diligent Dingoes’), a map of the population’s spread, and easy-to-digest facts, such as the way the animal lives, how it breeds, how it moves, its average size, special characteristics and conservation status. Did you know that a group of wombats is called a wisdom? There is plenty for adults to learn here, too. The text briefly and broadly mentions the connection between some animals and First Nations peoples, but it would have been great to have more specific facts in this area. Mollard’s illustrations are in a detailed, photorealistic style, with lines and contrasts to complement the text and help kids recognise the animals in real life. They are backgrounded by line drawings of native plants, flowers, grasses and other relevant environmental features. What’s That? will be pored over by curious, animal-loving preschool and primary readers aged 4+.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Angela Meyer is an author and lecturer in writing and publishing at RMIT. She is a former publisher and bookseller. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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