Larry Leadbeater by Jo Watson

The Leadbeater’s possum is a critically endangered species of possum found in Victoria, Australia. They no longer have access to enough old-growth trees to provide them with shelter and safety. This tiny possum, often called a Fairy Possum, can fit into the palm of your hand and is Victoria’s faunal emblem. Author and illustrator Jo Watson has written and illustrated this gorgeous story to raise awareness of the plight of these tiny creatures.

Larry’s home, a 300-year-old tree, has been cut down and will be used for paper, wood and furniture. Larry has lost his best tree friend and decides to travel to the city in search of a new home. He meets Clementine in the park and she invites Larry to live in her doll’s house. Larry finds it difficult to live in a home with furniture and stairs so Clementine suggests her tree house. Sadly it is too new so they try to make it look old but it is still not quite right. Clementine thinks very hard about how to help Larry and they travel 'to the place where the Grown Ups In Charge work.' The Government Man mainly says no to the idea of not cutting down trees and Larry must take things into his own paws. He invites all his possum friends to live in the house of the Government Man and this clever idea brings about change. Larry eventually does find a safe new tree, not quite as old as his first home but older than others.

This story is a wonderful read to share with all children to emphasise the need for more care to be taken of our natural environment. The clever collage of images on each page are both beautifully presented and eye-catching. A wonderful story and resource for a school or public library.

Website for further information about Leadbeater’s Possums and how you can help can be found here.  Information about the book is available here.

Themes: Leadbeater Possum, Endangered Species, Logging, Conservation.

Kathryn Beilby