Jennifer Cossins, Amazing Animal Journeys, Lothian Children’s Books, October 2022, 64 pp., RRP $26.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780734421432
Award winning Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins’ recent title is the nonfiction Amazing Animal Journeys. It targets middle-grade children and would be ideal in school libraries and home school studies. Cossins’ digital illustrations include bold colours and dynamic spreads across two pages. Although it is text heavy with the introduction and three-page conclusion on climate change, it brings valuable lessons to students.
She advocates for human action to support reducing climate change from eating less meat and dairy products to decreasing land clearing and collecting rubbish on the beach so that migrating sea turtles don’t accidently eat the plastic. Other simple tips that have been touted for years also get a mention such as turning off taps to save water.
Details about each animal—some of whom will be familiar but not others – needs attentiveness. However, the pleasure in discovering new animal life inspires interest and inquisitiveness. The migrations of animals, birds and insects are an informative and vibrant way for readers aged seven and above.
Reviewed by Suzanne Gervay
