South with the seabirds by Jess McGeachin

Well-known author/illustrator Jess McGeachin’s latest non-fiction book is a fascinating story about four female scientists who visited Macquarie Island in 1959. As a young girl, Mary Gillham was enthralled by sea birds and spent hours sketching them. She grew up to be a naturalist and travelled all around the world studying strange plants and animals. Mary was desperate to visit Macquarie Island but in that time Antarctica was seen as not a place for women. However, three other women from overseas were hoping to go and finally it happened.

Travelling with Mary were Isobel Bennett, Hope Macpherson and Susan Ingham. They set sail on the icebreaking ship Thala Dan and travelled for five days in calm and rough weather. They were followed by seabirds which are gloriously illustrated and labelled across a striking blue sea, until they came ‘to an island at the edge of the world.’ They were here at last. Once they had landed they studied the kelp, the rockpools, the seabirds, seals, penguins, wild plants and animals. Their research was so important to the future of the island which was added to the World Heritage List in 1997, was declared pest free in 2014, and in 2023 the marine park surrounding the island was tripled in size.

South with the Seabirds is a captivating story about the achievements of four strong and passionate scientists who have lakes named after them on the island. Jess McGeachin has told an incredible story, full of facts as well as stunning drawings of the bird, plant and animal life. The endpapers show a clearly labelled map of Macquarie Island and there is a timeline showing the history of the island as well as further information about the female scientists and tips for young naturalists.

This book provides a wonderful opportunity for educators and their students for further research into Macquarie Island and its environment and/or the four amazing scientists who provide such vital information.

Themes: Scientists, Women, Macquarie Island, Research, Natural Environments.

Kathryn Beilby