Dingo

March 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-Saxby continues her picture book introductions to Australian animals by having readers follow a mother dingo on her nocturnal hunt. As in previous books Koala, Emu, and Big Red Kangaroo, the primary text on each spread is supplemented by factual information in different type so the book can be read at several levels. Dingo's story is told in short, simple sentences that encourage children to look closely at the illustrations to spot other animals Dingo encounters. Harrick's impressionistic oil paintings include striking landscapes the creatures inhabit and explore. The forest, snow, and mountains may surprise readers who associate dingoes with desert habitats. However, the author's informative paragraph after the main text notes that dingoes live across Australia "from red deserts to alpine forests." VERDICT The youngest listeners will enjoy the excitement of dingo's quest while the accompanying text offers additional information to satisfy older readers. A good choice for public and school libraries.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2019
With bold, decisive brushstrokes, Harricks paints an untamed Australian forest where dingoes reign as apex predators. Dingo, the named female subject of this narrative, is searching for food at dusk ( Dusk is a busy time. Dusk is the time for hunting ). The wild dog must bypass an unreachable possum and wombat, but then is able to briefly satisfy her appetite (with a lizard) and also to bring food (a rabbit) back to her five pups in the den. The concept of camouflage is conveyed through the illustrations as Saxby's direct-address text asks readers to find Dingo hidden in the landscape ( Can you see her? ) or to spot the prey she seeks. Expository sentences, printed in smaller typeface on the pages, expand the narrative by adding scientific facts, such as information about dingoes' diet, anatomy, and senses, and the numbers and responsibilities of the members of a dingo pack; terms such as nocturnal and snuffing are also defined. An author's note with additional information about dingoes, their habitats, and the threat to the species from humans concludes the book; an index is appended. betty carter

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2019
Using bold brushstrokes, Harricks paints an untamed Australian forest where dingoes reign as apex predators. The concept of camouflage is conveyed through the illustrations as Saxby's direct-address text asks readers to find Dingo, the narrative's named female subject, hidden in the landscape or to spot the prey she seeks. Expository smaller-type sentences add scientific facts. Additional information about dingoes concludes the book. Ind.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)