The Echidna and the Shade Tree

by Pamela Lofts

The echidna, who cares for the children while the other animals hunt, uproots the great tree that provides shade to the whole desert.

Genres: Indigenous, Picture Books, Animals

34 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Fatima Seraj Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am aware that Aboriginal stories do not follow rhyme or reason that I am used to when it comes to children’s tales, this one took me by surprise at how much sadder it got with each passing page.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this, but it made me cry.

[Gemma Cm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Echidna and the Shade Tree told by Murphy Dawson; retold and illustrated by Pamela Lofts

A Dreamtime Story from the Australian Aboriginies told by the Elders and passed on to the young children of their tribe.
Whilst the other animals are busy hunting, the Echidna is left under the Shade Tree to guard the children. But instead of rewarding the Echidna for doing so, the 'other animals' feed him only the scraps left from the tastiest bits.
This myth explains of how the Echidna got its spikes on his back, how it came to eat ants and why until this day, walks awkwardly.

This book is a great introduction to learning about different animal species from Australia. With a vibrant and strong use of colour, the pictures grab children's attention, making this story very engaging. The author very cleverly allows for many topics to be explored within the classroom such as; the behaviour towards the Echidna; and if they were the Echidna - how would they feel?

I would recommend this book to upper KS1 and lower KS2 pupils, a great age to instil and discuss what they feel is morally acceptable.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Halls Creek, Western Australia -another brilliant little book in this series, connecting us to First Australians and country.

This beautiful book is also featured on the website of the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature
https://www.ncacl.org.au/atsi-resource/

https://www.ncacl.org.au/atsi_resourc...