Amazing animal journeys by Jennifer Cossins

The fascinating journeys of many of the world’s animals are discussed in this appealing and informative new release. Jennifer Cossins, well known author and illustrator of many books including The Book of Curious Birds shortlisted in the 2022 CBCA Eve Pownall Award, has written another wonderful non-fiction book that will engage readers both young and old.

From the introduction which gives a brilliant overview of animal migration to each double page spread full of interesting facts and stunning illustrations, this book will provide the reader with detailed yet easily accessible information. The migrations of birds including the Australian swift parrot, sea creatures like the Christmas Island red crab, insects such as the Australian bogong moth and mammals including the caribou are all presented in a report-style format that includes an opening paragraph, description, distance covered and general facts. Highlighted on each page is one interesting statement written in larger text. Some of these statements mention that the herd of Burchell’s zebras appear to migrate in an almost straight line, the globe skimmer dragonflies can fly over 3000 kilometres without touching land, Andean flamingos can fly at night and can cover as much as 1000 kilometres in a single night’s journey and longfin eels must navigate waterfalls and climb dams, which they conquer with their unique climbing abilities.

At the end of the book is a glossary and list of resources plus a vital note about conservation and climate change including the need for more human care and intervention.  This book is a worthwhile resource for all home, schools and public libraries or a perfect gift for those children who love non-fiction.

Themes: Animal Migrations, Conservation, Climate Change.

Kathryn Beilby