Hold On!

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Saving the Spotted Handfish

By: Gina M Newton Illustrated by: Rachel Tribout

eBook - October 2020 - eRetailers

A beautiful picture book about a quirky little fish that is famous for walking on its 'hands'.

Have you ever seen a fish that could do a handstand? + Full description

This is the story of a quirky and primitive little fish that is famous for two reasons: walking on its ‘hands’ (pectoral fins), and being one of the first marine fish in the world to be listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The Spotted Handfish has survived since the time of the dinosaurs – until now. Invasive seastars, pollution and climate change mean that this unique Australian is in serious trouble – hands up if you want to know more!

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6-10.

Winner, The ACT Notable Awards, Children's 2020 (Big Press)
Shortlisted, The CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Information Books 2021
Shortlisted, The Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature 2021: Non-Fiction
Certificate of Commendation, The Royal Zoological Society of NSW 2021 Whitley Awards: Threatened Species Conservation for Children

- Short description

News

Download this poster (PDF) for use in your classroom, library, bookshop or home: Hold On! Poster A3 (PDF, 72KB)

Read more on our blog:
Find out where author Gina Newton gets her inspiration from, and why the Spotted Handfish story needed to be told: Saving the Spotted Handfish with Dr Gina Newton

Discover how Rachel Tribout approaches science illustration and her best tips for aspiring illustrators: Science Illustrated: Q&A with Rachel Tribout

Watch the video trailer:

Reviews

"Children of all ages will enjoy this book due to the voice – spoken by the Spotted Handfish, the facts embedded throughout the story about what the Spotted Handfish is and also the story it tells of how the scientists are working to save it."
Vanessa Ryan-Rendall, Educate.Empower, 12 October 2020

"Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish is an informative, educational resource which would be great for primary aged readers."
Amie Sabadin, Kids' Book Review, 2 November, 2020

"The author and illustrator have managed to achieve the perfect cohesion of art and text in the book’s amazing layout."
Cayla Blakey, Double Helix Magazine, Issue 44, December 2020

"The informal narration style makes this a great book for younger readers, with accessible and personable language rather than hard, dry facts."
Juilie Bertola, CBCA Reading Time, 30 December 2020

"Presented in a way that engages the reader with Handstand’s story entwined and embedded with facts and accompanied by biologically-correct illustrations which have a childlike appeal."
Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf, 28 June 2021

"A great and informative book for children that highlights an environmental problem but with a positive approach on how we can change things. The amazing illustrations are colourful and energetic which compliments the story beautifully. A wonderful book!"
Peita, Maryborough Regional Library Instagram @mblibvic, 14 August 2021

Authors

Dr Gina M Newton is a scientist, science communicator and award-winning author of Amazing Animals of Australia’s National Parks. She’s also a Past National President of the Australian Marine Sciences Association.

Rachel Tribout is an illustrator and graphic designer from France based in Tasmania. She’s the author and creator of The Monsters of Tasmania and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.