Kimmi: Queen of the dingoes by Favel Parrett

Those readers familiar with Favel Parrett’s first younger reader novel, Wandi, will love her next book about another Australian dingo and her family. Kimmi is the true story of a young female dingo who became Queen of the dingoes in the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre in Victoria, Australia.

Kimmi and her three brothers are tropical dingoes who were born in the warmer areas of the country. From birth they were always in danger from one angry human landowner and after one dingo cub is killed, they are taken to safety by a young male human. He and his mother have a bond with the dingoes in the area, particularly with Kimmi’s mother. The two remaining male cubs are safely removed from the area as are Kimmi’s mother and her aunt. The story then revolves around Kimmi’s mother and the dangerous trek she makes to return home to Kimmi and teach her all she can about her heritage. She finally arrives back on her land and spends twenty four hours with Kimmi telling everything she knows. It is a short-lived reunion though as Kimmi is transferred to a sanctuary where she eventually learns to become a leader to other dingoes.

Throughout the story the author shares wonderful facts about the life of a dingo, and through the voices and thoughts of the dingoes, readers gain valuable information and understanding. There is an excellent question and answer section at the end of the book which once again provides another opportunity for learning.

Favel Parrett is a volunteer at the Sanctuary and through her clever storytelling she is able to share extensive knowledge of these much-maligned animals. Kimmi would be a perfect class novel to read aloud and there is so much scope for further investigation. A heart-warming story.

Further information: Australian Dingo Foundation – ADF's focus is on research, education and protection for Australia's native apex land predator, Canis dingo.

Themes: Dingoes, Animal Conservation, Family, Sanctuary, Resilience, Courage, Survival.

Kathryn Beilby