Best Beak in Boonaroo Bay

The Best Beak in Boonaroo Bay is a great book which would appeal to a wide range of kids (and adults!). It's Australian without being strange to those from other nations, and contains the brilliant outcome that so many kids would appreciate - a contest with EVERYONE as the winner. The illustrations are bold and gorgeous - coloured lino prints. The birds' characterisations are so human and relatable! A lovely book all round.

.This book was shortlisted for the 1994 "Picture Book of the Year Award". If your child is a budding birder here's a book that will both entertain, as well as inform.Boonaroo Bay is normally a peaceful place but one day the spoonbill, the darter, the cormorant, the curlew and the oystercatcher had a big dispute over who had the best beak in the Bay. But luckily Pelican who is the wisest of the birds was watching this noisy argument and decided to hold a contest to settle the question.The contest was very cleverly devised since there were five events: - collect shrimp from the mud....spearing fish......extract a pipi (clam) from its shell....find a worm in the sand....and finally catch a slithery eel.Each bird won the event for which its beak was best suited. This is a very good lesson in life.Narelle Oliver is both author and illustrator. Her linocut illustrations although very bold contain lots of subtle detail with accurate representations of the characteristics of each of the bird species.This book would appeal to all children who are developing a love of birding.