Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants written by Catherine Clowes is exactly as the name suggests: a description of an Australian native for each letter of the alphabet. Clowes is a botanist and a teacher with a passion for sharing knowledge, which she does so well in this book, targeted at older children and young teens.
Each double-page is dedicated to a designated native plant. Those pages contain a concise description without getting too technical and losing the reader's interest. The illustrations by Rachel Gyan are colourful and easily identifiable. However, what I found engaging is that each plant description includes an activity to encourage our Little People to immerse themselves and become involved with nature.
For example, under L for the Lilly Pilly is a description, an illustration, and an activity. In this case, the task is to pick a berry from the Lilly Pilly and to plant it in potting mix and nurture it with water and sunshine. Will it grow? I don't know but I'm sure as hell going to experiment once the local Lilly Pillys start fruiting.
At the back of the book is a map of Australia which highlights where each of the 26 selected natives are found. There is so much information in this book and so simply presented. Excellent to occupy keen minds and busy bodies over school holidays I would suggest.
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Available from all good Book Shops.
