It is called a Matschie's ("MATCH-eez") tree kangaroo and it is so rare and unstudied that it almost seems a make-believe creature. Sy Montgomery (author) and Nic Bishop (photographer) join an expedition led by Lisa Dabek to help document and bring awareness to this amazing animal. The whole of this book was written to journal their experiences and to bring to light the need to conserve this amazingly rare animal.
Sy Montgomery wrote this book in a conversational manner which makes it easy to understand. Many details have been included about the study process of the researchers, Lisa Dabek's work specifically, and the various creatures that inhabit the world of the tree kangaroo. Explanation is also included about the various roles of members of the exhibition and their backgrounds which encourages readers with different strengths to seek out their own way to make a contribution. There is enough information included for older students to use it as a resource but not so much data to make the reading heavy or dry. Even adults will enjoy reading about the experience on their own or with a younger reader.
The photography in the book is amazing! Nic Bishop was able to take so many varied shots of seldom seen animals. The exquisite details make the animals and the forest leap off of the page. Montgomery also includes an narrative about how Bishop was able to plan and pack for an expedition like this one and get such amazing photos. Bishop's photography, such as the lush green lichen and ferns, makes the reader understand the nature of the conditions the members of the expedition team experienced. When combined with Montgomery's text such as his quote from a member's announcement of being "SpongeBob WetPants" it brings the story to life and makes it relevant to the reader.
Another notable part of this book is the attention to the human element. Bishop's photographs of the native trekkers who assisted and became a part of the team are personal. These natives have made conservation of the tree kangaroo part of their culture. Having their efforts documented by Bishop and Montgomery is insightful and beautiful. The sum total of the book is valuable on so many levels. It is certainly a book worth investigating.
Review Excerpts:
"Another beautifully illustrated entry in the Scientists in the Field series." -Booklist
"The book's fascinating glimpses into a little-explored region will hold the attention of anyone interested in unusual creatures and the efforts to study them." -School Library Journal
Connections:
*Have students choose one of the animals introduced in the book and do further research. Another options is to discuss how to make a plan to study the animal as they did in preparation for the expedition in the book.
*Children could keep a journal of their week and then turn it into a story-type book.
* The sections titled Lisa's Advice for Kids and Tree Kangaroos Near You give options for further discussion and discovery such as researching other endangered species or occupations that could effect conservation.
Montgomery, Sy. 2006. Quest For The Tree Kangaroo. Ill. by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618496419
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