Big Red Kangaroo

Nature Storybooks

by Claire Saxby, Graham Byrne (Illustrations)

Follow a dominant male kangaroo as he leads his mob in search of food—and holds his own against other males who vie for his role.

In the center of Australia, the sun is setting over the baked earth, and Red Kangaroo stirs from his rest. It's breakfast time, and Red must lead his mob of kangaroos off to find grasses for grazing. But Red is also on the watch for young male kangaroos who are ready to challenge him and try to take his place as leader. Striking illustrations set the mood for a compelling, fact-filled story of red kangaroos in the wilds of Australia.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Australia, Animals, Childrens, Science, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

An Australian writer of fiction, non fiction and poetry for children

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, I've fallen in love with red kangaroos, or is it the way the story is so well written, with extra specific information in italics? Perhaps it's the amazing dream-like illustrations that show action and setting background so well that one wants to scrutinize all the details, not only the main action of the kangaroos. I learned that they are largest in the species, found only in Australia. The focus is on Red, the male leader of the "mob" (what groups are named), who takes good care of his mob in several situations. Through spare words, and action in the drawings, feelings of contentedness as well as unease showed through easily. The end page wowed me where with added information, Byrne shows the back leg and tail leaping off the page: The End. You really need to see and read this book to appreciate it for its beauty.

[Carol Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With large, wonderful double-spread illustrations, this simple story about a male red kangaroo and his mob is accompanied by factual information about red kangaroos in the wilds of Australia. The book would be appropriate for youngsters of any age, and it will whet their appetites for more information about kangaroos and about Australia in general. This would be an ideal pick for the very youngest of researchers, as it includes a good index that encourages them to ask questions for further information. More information about the illustrations and how they were done would be welcome, as they are very striking and unusual, with vibrant reds and yellows splashed across pages dotted with illustrations of wildlife.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely illustrated account of a dominant male Kangaroo and his mob in the heart of Australia. This book serves as a great resource for kids looking to learn about Kangaroos but also includes a storyline without the scientific facts for reading to younger children too.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not Great. Does impart interesting information about Red Kangaroos.



#JennyGuyColvin

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully sketchy illustrations of big red kangaroos 🦘 make this science-based book of facts come alive. Awesome desert vibe.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful non fiction picture book about the Red Kangaroo, native to the hot, dry inland of Australia. One side of the page has bold type, and almost tells a story about the kangaroo leader. The opposite text is italicized, and is more of a narrative with facts about red kangaroos. Together, they form a striking and fascinating snapshot. Red leads his "mob" towards good food and water sources, protects them from enemies (dingos and large lizards called goannas), and defends his group when challenged by another young male. Animal lovers will truly enjoy this title. Recommended for grades 1-3.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multimedia illustrations featuring charcoal and digital collage follow a male Red Kangaroo a day with his mob and they look for food and fend off male challengers. The narrative of the mob’s travels is interspersed with facts about red kangaroos. The warm tones of the illustrations reflect the partly desert environment in which the story is set and are muted enough to suit the calm fact relating tone of this informative book. Recommended for purchase.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations of reads and browns and oh so dry! I also loved the information about red kangaroos mixed in with the expository text, My third graders just finished researching; wish I had this book at the time.

[Pam Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Emu so it was timely reading Big Red Kangaroo. The same author wrote both books so the design is very similar (a design I particularly enjoy!). I learned many new pieces of information about kangaroos!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic mentor text to show using a 2 page layout that has a narrative format on one side telling the story of a male red kangaroo with additional information available on the opposite side of the layout.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful engaging nonfiction picture book about big red kangaroos and one in particular. It shows how the (male) leader of the pack takes care and protects them. The illustrations are to be gushed over.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the center of Australia, a dominant male kangaroo leads his mob in search of food and holds his own against other males who vie for his role. Informative and visually compelling.

[Arwen Ungar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non fiction read a loud story about the red kangaroo with beautiful digital and charcoal illustrations. Great grade school read a loud- nonfiction read

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful combination of fictional story and information about the big red kangaroo. The pictures are beautiful as well.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

the art is almost 3-D, this would have gotten a Caldecott if it were published here first. amazing illos.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

illustrations are spectacular, great nf title

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

By an Australian author on the Australian animal, the red kangaroo. Very informative.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful book and most elegantly written. Wonderful evocative illustrations. I love this Nature Storybook series.

[Lynne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical, active, engaging and informative.