When I was a young girl, in our school library we read the
book “Old Pig” by writer & artist collaborative Margaret Wild and Ron
Brooks. The story told of an Old pig and her granddaughter that share
everything together, including the house work until the day old pig cannot get
up as usual anymore. Old pig prepares granddaughter pig to say goodbye to her,
as they go for one last walk together. It was gorgeous book with a special message. And this book is no different.
This beautiful yet tragic picture tells the extinction of
the Thylacine or more commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger. Not a true tiger,
this marsupial announced extinct on the island of Tasmania after the last one
named “Benjamin” died in captivity September 7, 1936. They were hunted to
extinction by farmers and bounty hunters due to their attacks on livestock. Due
to this, we lost a fascinating and uniquely Australian animal and this picture
book reflects that lament.
This book told from the perspective of a captured Thylacine wondering
through the land it once inhabited through the bars of their cage. The mixed
media of Ron Brooks helps take us through the animal longing for freedom and
life, and the sad final moments of its inevitable extinction. Thought through
death, the Thylacine returns to his forest home where he can explore in peace forever.
This poetic book is a gentle way for children to understand the devastating effects
humans can have on our natural world. A stunning
book with a powerful message, a must read.
Please let us know what you think about this post or other subjects by commenting below or email us at darcylibrary@libraries.com.au
No comments:
Post a Comment