Jevita Nilson (text) and Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Our World of Wild Wonders, CSIRO Publishing, February 2025, 32 pp., RRP $254.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781486318667
This is a companion book to Our World Full of Wonder, from the same creators.
It’s an exploration of a diverse range of unique animals which live in our world. Each double-page spread is devoted to one animal from vastly differing environments: monarch butterflies, alpine ibex, Hector’s dolphins, flamingoes, echidnas, deep-sea creatures, panther chameleons, emperor penguins, see otters, starlings, leopards and synchronous fireflies. At the end of the book, the reader will find more, albeit brief, information about each animal, including a world map to help with locations.
Though aimed at readers aged 5-9, children on either side of this age range will also be able to find inspiration. The glossary at the end of the book helps the young reader, and teacher notes can be found at the CSIRO website.
Jess Racklyeft’s accessible stylised illustrations add to Jevita Nilson’s lyrical text, which will work well for use in whole-class environments. The glossary includes technical words encouraging readers to develop their vocabulary. A good addition to school and public libraries.
Reviewed by Maureen Mann
Read Laura Holloway’s interview with author Jevita Nilson here.
