Charles Hope, Home, Allen & Unwin, November 2019, 64 pp., RRP $27.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781742034249
From the publisher: The concept of home is not unique to humans. Animal species from around the world exhibit a range of wonderful and unique understandings of what their home can be. From highly organised beehives and ant colonies, to creatures that carry their homes with them, the animal kingdom is host to a spectacular array of ingenious dwellings. Welcome to the fascinating world of Home.
Home by Charles Hope is a fascinating look at the complexity of residences across the animal world. Some are fascinating – such as the nest of the social weaver bird – others slightly more terrifying – such as the wolf spider carrying over 1000 spiderlings on its back.
What is a home? Is it shelter? Is it safety? Is it where the heart is? This informational children’s picture book explores the varied interpretations of the concepts of ‘home’ throughout the animal kingdom.
With more pictures than text on each page, Home is a perfect book to share with children curious about the world around them. Younger children will delight in the images, while older children will be enthralled by the strangeness surrounding the homes of seemingly ordinary animals.
Reviewed by Fiona Miller-Stevens
