Claire Saxby (text), Wayne Harris (illus.), Bird to Bird, Black Dog Books/Walker Books Australia, 1 March 2018, 32pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925381122
This picture book takes an original approach to history and to the concept of recycling, showing that it is not a just recent practice. Beginning with a bird dropping a seed onto a forest floor, the book charts the growth of a sapling to a fully-grown tree whose timber is used to make bunks for convict ships coming to Australia. Once landed, the bunk timber is turned into looms for the weaving of cloth for the colony, and to build a kitchen. Later the disused timber is carved into birds and the cycle has turned full circle.
The text is minimal and would need some explanation for very young children. The detailed illustrations complement the story. Published by an imprint of the ever- reliable Walker Books and with award-winning author and illustrator, this is an imaginative, thought-provoking book. Suitable for ages 5+.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Douglas
