United States
£ GBP
Explore the fascinating world of native Australian animals through the five basic senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
Covering more than 145 truly astounding animals – from sharp-eyed whale sharks to sticky-bellied green tree frogs – Sensational Australian Animals showcases the strange things these creatures can do with their eyes, ears, noses, mouths and skin! Meet birds that laugh, frogs that quack and fish that sing. Discover mammals that glow in the dark and seahorses disguised as seaweed. Be surprised by turtles that breathe through their bums and squirm at lizards that clean their eyes with their tongues. And then there are the dangerous creatures that bite and sting.
Be intrigued, amazed and astonished by what insects, birds, spiders, fish and many other animals are capable of.
Sensational creatures
The eyes have it!
- Magnificent marsupials
- Bright-eyed birds
- Amazing arthropods
- Seaside show-offs
- Rad reptiles
Did you hear that?
- Boisterous birds
- Impressive insects
- Marvellous mammals
- Full-throated frogs
- Singing sea creatures
Follow your nose!
- Clever critters
- Putrid pongs
- Super-sniffers
- Peculiar proboscises
That’s tasty!
- Fussy feeders
- Gross guzzlers
- Tasty treats
- Unusual utensils
What a feeling!
- Biting bugs
- Stinging sea creatures
- Awesome arachnids
- Sensitive skin
Glossary
Animal index
Acknowledgements
Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder is the author of historical novels and picture books for children, including Swifty: The Super-fast Parrot (CSIRO Publishing). She has won the NSW Premier's History Award and the CBCA Book of the Year Award for information books.
Cher Hart is a nature illustrator, graphic designer and spatial analyst with a background in biology and a sense of fun. She has created scientific communication material for journals, exhibitions and government. This is her first published children's book.
"Wherever you live in Australia – city, bush, rainforest, outback or the beach – there is a host of awesome "sharp-eyed, noisy, smelly, slimy and occasionally dangerous creatures" for you to discover. Without a doubt, this book, recommended for ages 8-12, would be a delight to read and ponder for ages 8-80!"
– Wendy Morris, Western Australian Naturalists Club
"I thoroughly enjoyed browsing this book. It is designed for readers aged 8-12, but would be a delight for teachers, parents (and grandparents) to read and explore."
– Canberra Bird Notes 49(1), July 2024
"This engaging and beautifully illustrated book is a treasure trove of amazing facts that will delight and entertain both young and older readers."
– Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus
"A dip-and-delve book that will keep the budding naturalist intrigued for hours, this is most definitely one to add to the collection."
– Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf
"This new book from Stephanie Owen Reeder is every bit as sensational as the titular creatures!"
– Sue Warren, Just So Stories
