Review: Endangered Animal Tales 3: Rusty The Rainbow Bird

Stand back, for another one of Aleesah Darlison’s stunning Endangered Animal Tales. 

The little peeps in the junior library have lost their little minds over this series, and both Coco and Poppy, are in such high rotation it would make your head spin! 

Is it any wonder really? We know that our kiddos love animal stories and when you combine animals with really cool attributes, and add the fact their very existence is threatened, you completely win over these young ones, firing up their sense of justice (and outrage!).

In our house we love Gouldian finches and always have. They are the sweetest little birds and their twitterings are just adorable. 

Aleesah has once again poured her heart into her commitment to raising awareness of threatened species, and turned that into another engaging narrative, accompanied by facts. The knock-out illustrations by Mel Matthews are just a perfect foil for the vibrancy of these gorgeous tiny native birds.

Your littlest readers will thoroughly enjoy reading Rusty’s story as he finds his mate, raises his family and rescues them from the danger of bushfire. Follow up and capitalise on their avid interest with some of the terrific activities available here.

This is easily one of the best series I have seen (and used) in the junior school in some time and am so looking forward to more from this talented and passionate creator.

Highly recommended for readers from Prep upwards. 

Title: Endangered Animal Tales 3: Rusty the Rainbow Bird
Author: Aleesah Darlison
Illustrator: Mel Matthews
Publisher: Penguin Australia. Imprint: Puffin. $19.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760899240
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book/Informational