The book of Australian trees by Inga Simpson. Illus. by Alicia Rogerson

This beautifully presented book draws the reader in from first glance at its appealing cover with trees surrounding the gold embossed title to the endpapers showcasing seeds and leaves from various trees. The opening page gives information about Australian trees, how they have changed over years, how many have adapted to their environment and their importance in Earth’s ecosystems. There are fourteen trees discussed in the book, each having its own double page spread with information centred on one page and striking illustrations on the next. The information presented is easy to understand and provides the reader with interesting facts about where the particular tree grows, a description of its colour, shape, height and how long the tree can live for. For example the Karri can live for around 300 years and there is one in the Greater Beedelup National Park that is thought to be 400 years old. Each tree has its own unique features and these are thoughtfully explained alongside other engaging information about the tree. The Antarctic Beech tree once grew all over Antarctica when it was joined to Australia, New Zealand and South America. It eventually moved north as the south became too cold. However during the bushfires in 2019-2020 many perished in the Gondwana Rainforests as unlike eucalypts, they have not adapted to survive fire and will not grow back.

This book would make a thoughtful addition to any school of public library as well as a perfect gift for those who love trees and plants.

Themes: Non-fiction, Australia, Trees, Ecosystems, Environmental Issues.

Kathryn Beilby