Bush Bash by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina
Little Hare, 2012. hbk. ISBN 9781921714771.
Dingo is on a mission - but no one knows just what it is. He is
dashing through the country, intent on something, and ignores those
around him. So they decide to join him to see just what has got his
attention - two nosy numbats, three flying frogs, four burrowing
bilbies . . .
More than just a unique counting book, this colourful tale not only
tells a story but also introduces our youngest readers to some of
Australia's unique creatures - some well-known, some not-so. And all
the while, there is the speculation about just where is dingo going.
The answer is revealed and children will delight in it.
The illustrations are rich, detailed and bright - just what we
expect of Sally Morgan - but they are actually done by her daughter,
Ambelin Kwaymullina, who is obviously as talented as her mother.
Hidden within each are hidden objects - some made by Aboriginal
people, others animals that should have no place in our bush - and
as well as being guaranteed to engage the reader deeply in the
illustrations, they offer more talking points that can introduce our
littlies to the life of those who have been here forever and the
impact of those who have come since.
This is a very special book that works on so many levels it is a
must-have in your collection.
Barbara Braxton