Tuart Dwellers

Jan Ramage (text)

Ellen Hickman (illus)

Department of Environment & Conservation, Western Australia: 2009

ISBN: 9781876615307

Genres: picture book

Issues: environment

Winner: Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature.
CBCA Eva Pownell Award Shortlist 2009.

Most large trees support a surprising number of creatures to the point where the tree is almost a microhabitat. Tuart Dwellers explores the nature of this codependency for that particular tree species.

Jan Ramage's text follows one day in the life of the Tuart tree and its many residents and visitors. From the ‘mad hatterpillar' to the boobook owl, more than forty creatures make their entrances and their exits on the stage that is the Tuart tree. Ellen Hickman's astonishingly detailed illustrations capture the energy and movement of the forest, as well as the grandeur of a large tree. Text and images together promote the vital skill of observation. Readers will enjoy searching the pages again and again to ensure that they've spotted every tiny creature, every indicator of life, growth and change.

Although the Tuart tree is specific to Western Australia, this is nevertheless a book that can be used to promote environmental awareness in any state, as well as encouraging readers to look beyond their own backyard. A must for schools and local libraries, this is also a great gift for young ecologists.