On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer

Reviews

"Author Rohan Cleave, a zookeeper at Zoos Victoria who wrote the wonderful book Phasmid: Saving the Lord Howe Stick Insect, has added to his collection with his latest release On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer. [...] On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer is an engaging publication with superb illustrations by Julian Teh presented in the soft brown tones of the plains. It is another fabulous fact-filled book to share with younger readers in a school or public library."
Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus, 01 September 2022

"Told in a facts-rich narrative with life-like illustrations, with further information at the back as well as teachers’ notes, this is another opportunity to highlight another seriously endangered creature that is not as well-known as others. [...] Now is the time to introduce our students not only to this little bird – adults are just 15–19cm high and weigh 40–95 grams – but to other unique Australian species through books like Amazed! CSIRO’s A to Z of Biodiversity, A Shorebird Flying Adventure, Tiny Possum and the Migrating Moths, One Potoroo and Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish so that other species don’t go the way of the thylacine."
Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf, 07 September 2022

"The full-page, sometimes double-page realistic colour illustrations are a highlight of the book, especially an aerial image of the tiny bird among grass tussocks on an ochre cracked-mud surface — exactly as a bird of prey might view the vulnerable creature. [...] There is a useful glossary at the end of the book, among a set of background notes. CSIRO can also supply excellent Teacher Notes that fit the content to aspects of the Australian Science Curriculum for Years 1 to 4. Highly recommended for children from five to ten."
Kevin Brophy, CBCA Reading Time, 22 September 22

"The book covers the Plains-wanderer's uniqueness as the only species in the family Pedionomidae, its habits and habitat, and the threats to its survival. [...] The target audience is 6- to 9-year-olds but the stunning illustrations would appeal to any bird lover."
Sue Lashko, Canberra Bird Notes 47(2), 2022

"A charming children's picture book, accompanied by comprehensive teacher's notes and recommended for a reading age of six to nine. This is a beautifully presented production bringing to life a unique species that is facing extinction in a format that is readily useable in a classroom and ideal for a young family."
Suzanne Mather, Western Australian Bird Notes #183, September 2022

"This is a wonderful new Australian book about a very appealing and rare little ground bird. [...] Julian Teh really captures the personality the Plains-wanderer but without reducing it to a comic character. The page where we are given an aerial view of the cracked red earth is especially powerful (this is used on the back cover too) and the spotlight scene creates a very effective page turn"
Momo celebrating time to read, 27 May 2023

"This book shares information about collaborative conservation work between scientists, aviculturists and farmers to save the critically endangered plains wanderer. [...] I was especially impressed by the beautiful artwork, particularly the view of these birds from above (see back cover, but also a larger illustration inside.)"
GrrlScientist, Forbes, 24 June 2023

Details

Hardback | September 2022 | $ 24.99
ISBN: 9781486314478 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations

ePDF | September 2022
ISBN: 9781486314485
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

ePUB | September 2022
ISBN: 9781486316991
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

Features

• Introduces kids to the life of the Plains-wanderer – an ancient bird species that is unique as it is the sole member of its family.
• Because of its evolutionary uniqueness and risk of extinction, researchers have ranked the Plains-wanderer as Australia's most important bird and the fourth most important bird species in the world.
• The Plains-wanderer has been nicknamed the Goldilocks bird, as they are quite particular about their habitat.
• Explores how Zoos are helping save the Plains-wanderer with captive breeding programs and creative thinking.
• Shares a message of hope, highlighting how farmers are working with researchers to make their properties just right.

Authors

Rohan Cleave is a zookeeper at Zoos Victoria. His books include Phasmid and Bouncing Back, and have received CBCA Shortlist and Notable listings, a Wilderness Society's Environment Award for Children's Literature and a RZSNSW Whitley Award for Children's Natural History Book.

Julian Teh is a Canberra-based scientific illustrator. Fuelled by a lifelong passion for birds, he uses his paintings to tell the stories of his birding experiences.

For Teachers

We have created these Teacher Notes as a free PDF download to support the use of this book in the classroom.

Teacher Notes (1.01 MB)

Extra

Download this printable poster (PDF) for use in your classroom, library, bookshop or home.

On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer Poster A3 (2.84 MB)