Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under

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 38. (Mar.) Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

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.