Wollemi
Saving a Dinosaur Tree
By: Samantha Tidy Illustrated by: Rachel Gyan
Deep in the Blue Mountains, an extraordinary ancient tree waits to be found.
Deep in the forest, an ancient wonder is about to be found. Descended from a family of trees going back 200 million years, the Wollemi pine has survived ice, fire and the passing of many generations. + Full description
Will a bushfire be the final threat to this living fossil? And how will we protect it, now that everyone wants a dinosaur tree? How can we make sure the Wollemi’s secret location is not discovered and damaged?
Wollemi: Saving a Dinosaur Tree explains the unique and critically endangered status of the Wollemi pine and explores what actions can be taken today to contribute to the conservation of this rare and beautiful tree.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.
Shortlisted, The Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature 2024: Picture Fiction
Notable Book, The CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Information Books 2024
Praise for Wollemi:
"This great book should help to promote the value and importance of the Wollemi Pines."
David Noble, the park ranger who found the Wollemi pine
News
Watch the video trailer:
Reviews
"Skilfully combining vibrant digital illustrations with a captivating narrative, this is a text that will appeal to a wide audience. This engaging story of discovery, depth, and environmental triumph unfolds in Wollemi National Park with ranger David Noble. The narrative’s intentional and effective start draws readers into the adventure of protecting the ‘dinosaur tree.’ The appealing cover and joyful depictions resonate with young readers. The tale, complemented by glossary and facts, embraces modern environmental challenges, including bushfires, providing a relevant and heartwarming perspective. The inclusion of an Indigenous viewpoint, a named tree, and a ‘true story’ aspect adds authenticity. This scientific and environmental success story, akin to a modern-day fairy tale, makes Wollemi an enriching and visually delightful read."
CBCA 2024 Book of the Year Awards Judges' Comments
"A fast paced and conversational narrative works harmoniously with the vibrant illustrations to showcase the wonderous beauty of these ancient trees."
aussie_kids_books (Instagram), 15 January 2024
"With a glossary, information and a timeline in the back matter, as well as engaging illustrations by @rachel.gyan this is a fascinating look and it important Australian story. An example of a narrative, non-fiction book that @csiropublishing do so well. "
Lucy, lovefourreading (Instagram), 6 October 2023
"Rachel Gyan’s full page brightly coloured illustrations beautifully convey the gorge where the trees live in the wild and the dramatic firefighting scenes. The text concludes with a glossary, taxonomy, and species information. The final endpaper is a timeline from prehistoric times until today. This is a good introduction to a fascinating topic for young readers."
Lynne Babbage, CBCA Reading Time, 19 October 2023
"This is another remarkable publication from CSIRO Publishing shining the spotlight on yet another unique Australian creature so that our youngest readers can start to build their awareness and knowledge or the amazing things we share this landscape with, and hopefully, with that knowledge and awareness, become its protectors."
Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf, 14 October 2023
Details
Hardback | October 2023 | $ 24.99ISBN: 9781486316083 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations
ePDF | October 2023
ISBN: 9781486316090
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | October 2023
ISBN: 9781486316106
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Features
- Presents the amazing true story of the discovery of the ancient Wollemi pine, in the Blue Mountains, Australia.
- Explores how close we came to losing the Wollemi during a bushfire, and the outstanding efforts to save it.
- Shows how we can help to protect the Wollemi for the future.
Authors
Samantha Tidy is an award-winning children’s author who seeks out stories that connect her readers with the natural world and each other. A passionate permaculturalist, gardener and chicken fancier, she lives in Canberra.
Rachel Gyan is an illustrator passionate about artful storytelling, and is the illustrator of Plantastic!. Rachel enjoys studying Australian flora and wildlife, drawing inspiration from her surroundings to capture the beautiful and sometimes quirky nature of Australia in her work.
For Teachers
We have created these Teacher Notes as a free PDF download to support the use of this book in the classroom.
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