Benny Bungarra's big bush clean-up Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina

Magabala Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925360882
(Ages: 3-6) Recommended. Themes: Environmental care. Recycling. Mother and daughter team, Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina present a brightly coloured picture book with an important environmental message. Told from the animal's point of view, this easy to read story focuses on the impact of human rubbish left behind in the bush. Benny Bungarra the lizard's fun in the sun is disturbed by strange noises, unfortunately Olive Python's head is stuck in a plastic bottle. Benny's creative solution assists the helpless snake and she is soon safe and ready to help him when another creature has a problem. 'KAAR OW KAAR OW' calls Colin Crow whose beak is tangled in fishing line. Even with a bound beak, he explains how he became caught and Benny creatively uses a stick to free him. The three creatures then hear another creature in pain and set out to help Kathy Kangaroo. Benny comments about the problems caused by human rubbish left in their bush home and comes up with a solution, Benny Bungarra's Big Bush Clean-up. Rubbish can be recycled, reused and humans need to be reminded to safely dispose of broken glass, plastic containers and fishing line. All the bush creatures happily band together to make their environment a safe and happy one.
Ambelin Kwaymullina's bold illustrations, fun colourful creatures and bright borders bring to life the simple but important messages of Sally Morgan's story. Benny's bold green and purple colouring makes him standout in his bush setting. Benny Bungarra's big bush clean-up is an important stimulus book for Junior Primary Science and Geography exploring how people need to care for their environment and living things.
Rhyllis Bignell