Angela Robertson-Buchanan, Nestling Cockatoos: the story of Squeak and Squawk, Wild Dog Books, July 2021, RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781742036076
It’s ironic that this book arrived for review just as an extra rowdy mob of cockatoos flew into my neck of the woods in rural Victoria. Perhaps it’s what made this latest offering from Wild Dog, so appealing. Whatever the case, the glorious colour photos in this book combined with the heart-warming story of Squeak and Squawk’s rescue, is sure to resonate with children.
The author is a trained wildlife rescuer specialising in the care and rehabilitation of birds and is particularly qualified to tell this story given she shares her home with a cockatoo named Casper. The book gives a basic introduction to cockatoos and then narrows focus; telling the story of Squeak and Squawk who were orphaned when their family tree was cut down. The babies were hand-reared before being transferred to an aviary and then returned to the wild.
With its simplistic language, this book is appropriate to share with pre-schoolers and early primary students. It includes cocky facts and there are teacher notes with links to curriculum.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
