Overview

Age range 6 to 9 Fire is a natural part of the Australian bush. This is a story about that relationship - fire that breathes life back into nature. Alight shares the story of Australian native plants and animals during a planned fire. Discover how the fire helps Christmas Bells grow new flowers and Wallum Banksia to open its woody seed capsules. Follow Antechinus and a tiny Wallum Sedge Frog as they face the danger of the fire - and the challenges that come after. See how the bush recovers and flourishes after the fire, all under the watch of Old Eucalypt. With engaging text by Sam Lloyd, and stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe, Alight is a gentle exploration of the importance and benefits of healthy fire in the bush. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.

Full Product Details

9781486315444

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Reviews

"""From the endpapers to the information on fire in the Australian bush at the end, Alight is a rich resource in learning about fire and its place in our landscape. Seamlessly blending non-fiction information with story, Sam Lloyd's text is engaging and introduces young readers to fascinating characters such as tall and strong Old Eucalypt, Christmas Bells with her richly coloured flowers and Wallum Banksia, old and wise. Lloyd's knowledge of fire ecology and pollination is evident but the text does not feel fact-heavy, rather, the story sparkles and dances with lightness and joy for the Australian bush. Samantha Metcalfe's illustrations are sublime, botanical and filled with interesting details to discover and delight. Alight is an appealing read, with information for interested readers and educators to deep dive, or to just enjoy the beauty of the Australian bush."" -- Megan Daley * Chlidren's Books Daily *"

"""The stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe show incredible detail and perfectly complement the text. In the final pages there is further important information about ‘Fire in the Australian Bush’ as well as a glossary to explain the highlighted words used in the text. A wonderful book to share with both children and adults."" -- Kathryn Beilby * ReadPlus * ""As usual, the text is perfectly pitched for the age group, the sensitive, positive approach is spot on and the illustrations not only life like but also in a soft palette and medium that will be unlikely to stir memories and anxiety. As well as the explanation of the need for fire in the landscape there is also a comprehensive glossary that will extend the reader’s vocabulary as well as their understanding."" -- Barbara Braxton * The Bottom Shelf * ""This book has a lightness that informs, rather than frightening young children, who will gain an appreciation of the complexity of fire in the Australian environment."" -- Janette Lenz * Canberra Bird Notes 48(1) *"

Author Information

Dr Sam Lloyd is a scientist, fire ecologist and writer with a passion for the Australian bush and children's literature. Through storytelling, art and a love of books, Sam strives to engage children in the world of science and nature. Sam lives in Brisbane with her husband, children, dog and some chooks. Samantha Metcalfe is a Natural History Illustrator who finds inspiration in the unique biodiversity of the Australian bush. Working primarily in colour pencil, her realistic and detailed illustrations often focus on capturing Australia's native flora and fauna. Samantha has illustrated several children's picture books including The Voyage of Whale and Calf (CSIRO Publishing, 2022), and she was also shortlisted for the 2019 Children's Book Council of Australia Award for New Illustrator.

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