Over in Australia

June 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 2-Berkes incorporates some of Australia's unique animals in her latest variant of the familiar song, "Over in the Meadow." Among them are wallabies, brolgas, lorikeets, wombats, and bilbies. Each spread provides listeners with a number of baby animals to count in the cumulative verse. A final map of Australia incorporates all of the creatures for additional practice. Dubin's charming paper collages deftly use a variety of patterns plus a bonus "hidden" animal noted on one of the informative pages after the song text. That section also includes more facts about all the mentioned animals, offers suggestions for class activities, explains Dubin's illustration process, and provides the score for those unfamiliar with the tune. A useful supplement for a variety of curriculum areas and a pleasant read just for fun.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2011
Preschool-G With a fluid text and lively illustrations, this picture book introduces 10 Australian animals: saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, koalas, platypuses, rainbow lorikeets, wombats, sugar gliders, brolgas, bilbies, and emus. Many writers have used the structure, rhythm, and rhyme scheme of the traditional rhyme Over in the Meadow as a vehicle for similar topics, but few have adapted it as successfully as Berkes. Varied effects of painted, printed, and textured elements enhance Dubins vibrant collages of cut and torn papers. The first 10 double-page spreads focus on the animal mothers and their babies; the next locates each species on a map of Australia and challenges children to go back and search for the other creatures hidden in the pictures. The book concludes with facts about all the Australian animals shown, a brief bibliography, ideas for activities, and the traditional tune for Over in the Meadow. A great choice for classroom units on Australia.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

January 17, 2011
Why shouldn't the meadow in the nursery rhyme "Over in the Meadow" be in Australia? Berkes recasts the song to introduce readers to counting, Australian animals, and the names of their young ("Over in Australia/ Looking like a kangaroo/ Lived a smaller wallaby/ And her little joeys two"). Dubin's lively collages feature textured papers, with pencil and crayon providing extra detail for the animals. Add musical notation for the song as well as detailed information about the 10 featured animals (plus 10 more hidden throughout the spreads), and it's a remarkably layered and entertaining trip to the land of Oz. Ages 3–8.

July 1, 2011
"Over in Australia / Looking like a kangaroo / Lived a smaller wallaby / And her little joeys two." In this not-very-well-rhymed counting book, various Australian animal babies "snap," "munch," or "splash" with their parents. Double-page cut-paper collages suit the natural settings. Back matter includes a map and additional information about each animal's physical characteristics, diet, and habitat. Reading list, websites.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)