Cat MacInnes, My Aussie Plants and Animals, Windy Hollow Books, June 2022, 28 pp., RRP $25.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780645323535
Cat MacInnes presents an illustrated alphabet book focussing specifically on Australian plants and animals to illustrate the letters. The upper-case letters: with an animal, the lower case: with a plant species. A simple concept and format but delivered with skill and restraint makes for a quality early childhood resource.
There are a few common and familiar images used that young readers are likely to recognise and excitedly point out and name, like kangaroo, echidna, magpie, and platypus, However, there are arguably more unrecognisable nouns included, especially of the plant species, like avocet, finger lime, midyim berry and quoll. The inclusion of these less commonly used plant and animal names provides a great opportunity for readers young (and old) to expand their vocabulary and knowledge in a uniquely Australian context. I really like that the author has committed to the Australian theme and doesn’t allow a young audience or unfamiliarity limit her choice of words.
The watercolour renderings of the letters and animals are bright but with a soft texture and are spaced nicely with plenty of plain white background in between. This minimalistic approach allows the letters and images to shine and imparts an appealing calm to the pages. Cat McInnes is able to capture the essence and unique beauty in each of her illustrations, without being too fussy or technical, so readers could potentially spot the flora or fauna in the wild.
As a strong advocate of recognition and celebration of our unique Australian environment I commend this book for proudly embracing this idea and presenting it in an appealing and accessible format for the next generation.
Reviewed by Julie Bertola
