A Kangaroo Grows Up

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

This "Wild Animals" series introduces readers to the lives of various baby animals from birth to maturity. Young zoologists will learn about physical characteristics, growth and development, and maternal training until the animal is old enough to live on its own. Tiny kangaroo babies, called joeys, are born in Australia and live for six months in a mother's pouch (shown up close in an orangey pink), drinking milk. Big acrylic paintings in browns and sharp yellows show one joey, at about six months, venturing out of the pouch, growing stronger, and learning to hop near its mother. When two wild dingoes threaten, the joey can hop quickly into the safety of his mother's pouch. Several of the double-page spreads show the young kangaroo being permanently expelled by its mother, learning to eat plants, playing and boxing with other kangaroos, and after five years, leaving the "mob" of other kangaroos to start an adult life. Primary-level readers should have no trouble with the simple, straightforward text. Illustrations are often presented in awkward perspectives and seem overly bright, but there's enough detail to keep young readers engaged while checking the small rectangular sidebars for extra information. A "kangaroo diagram" points out physical features of this Australian marsupial; a small world map locates its habitat. Also included are a short glossary and a bibliography of three kangaroo books. Don't rely on the Facthound code number for excellent kangaroo websites; a search reveals three—two very brief, one a short quiz.