Dreaming of Australia A-Z by Jess Racklyeft

An introduction to some of Australia’s icons through an A-Z will have readers thinking of their own words they could use in their place. And at the same time join in the rhymes, sing along with the short refrains, laugh at the goings on on each page and wonder at the variety of things shown.

Not content with an A-Z of animals or buildings, Racklyeft gives us a range of things identifyingly Australian. From a jillaroo, to eucalyptus, island, goanna or hakea, lamington, rain, Perth, and Vegemite, some of the words will surprise and delight the readers. They will recognise the animals and possibly learn a few more they have not heard of, but will take in the lovely images before their eyes.  These illustrations, in watercolour and digital collage will intrigue readers as they spot the detail adding to the interest in the animal or image shown. An echidna makes his presence felt on a number of pages and younger readers will love following his antics with glee.

I was intrigued to see how the last few letters of the alphabet were included in the A-Z, and younger readers will be delighted learning an Aboriginal phrase and a new town in Western Australia.

While the Z takes us back to the word Dreaming and all is revealed on the back cover.

An inviting an involving book for younger readers before bedtime.

Themes: Sleep, Australian icons, A-Z, Humour.

Fran Knight