She begins a journey of discovery back through time.
In the company of her dog Tassie, the
weekend becomes a dedication to educating herself enough to complete her
project.
Until she encounters the ghost of the last Thylacine.
Thyla (what Violet names the presence), offers to help Violet obtain the knowledge needed to understand the how and why of extinction. The when, where and who join the group of unknowns.
Through conversations with Thyla, many facts about the extinct Thylacine and other marsupials are revealed and clarified.
A world of informational facts opens, and the science of de-extinction flows out.
You cannot bring something back from extinction
without understanding their role in nature.
Violet and Thyla's journey in a car without wheels, covers the places where the fossils and rock art of the Thylacine have been found. Maps are included that indicate the
exact locations they visit.
Graphic novels are wonderful tools of learning. Renee
Treml’s illustrations captivate as does the humour that is contained
in the additional speech bubbles at the bottom of the page. These are like asides
of definitions presented by animals that have been included in the background facts.
The Thylacine and the Time Machine is a well-researched scientific look into the reason animals become extinct, without it being didactic or difficult to understand.
At the end there a summary of sorts on the main
reasons for de-extinction: how it would assist nature, the countless pros and
cons of the outcomes, and the many questions that need to be answered
concerning the species chosen for de-extinction.
Extremely interesting, and highly educational, this graphic novel is ideal for young and older readers who question and seek answers connected to DNA, ecology and ethics.
Title: The Thylacine and the Time Machine
Author/Illustrator: Renee Treml
Publisher: Allen $ Unwin, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761181184
For ages: 10+
Type: Graphic Novel