Purinina by Christina Booth

The retelling of this familiar story is based on the 2008 CBCA Notable Picture Book Purinina: A Devil’s Tale written and illustrated by Christina Booth. Set on the island of Tasmania, this enchanting story tells of the life of Purinina and her family. From birth, through her growing years and to her adult life, the beautifully written prose shares the natural life cycle and the dangers faced by the endangered Tasmanian devil.

Born in a deep dark cave nestled in a valley, pink-skinned Purinina and her brothers, safe and warm in their mother’s pouch, suckle milk and begin to grow. Gradually black and white fur covers their bodies and they find their way out of the pouch into the cave environment. Purinina learns to growl, snarl, snort and scream. She still eats food her mother finds and plays and tussles with her bothers. Sadly, one night her mother does not return with food and in the morning when the young ones find her, she is still. The devils must learn to fend for themselves but not before they realise there is a new danger they must face in the arrival of humans. Life does go on for Purinina and she too becomes a mother.

The striking full-page illustrations vary between light and warm colours to a dark and almost menacing colour palette. The use of movement and descriptive words, bold letters and the careful placement of phrases add to the overall engagement and flow of the story. In the final pages the Devilish Details section is a valuable addition as is the glossary.  This is wonderful story to share with children and to learn new interesting facts about this much-maligned Australian animal. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Tasmanian devils, Endangered species, Habitat, Tasmania, Australia, Life Cycles, Survival, Human Danger.

Kathryn Beilby