The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek

A children's picture story book, set in the Australian bush. This illustration is excellent, and gives the book an overall whimsical and sweet feel that nicely complements the tale itself. Definitely a good, simple introductory type book for kids, and let's face it, bunyips are cool.

This is a nice story about a young Bunyip seeking it's identity. The story begins when a Bunyip comes up out of the mud with no notion of what it is nor what it looks like. It asks a platypus and some other creatures about what a Bunyip looks like, but the replies are never flattering. Still the Bunyip continues on his quest, asking his questions, until he finally runs across a scientist who is so wrapped up in his work that he asserts -without even looking up to see who he is talking to-- that there is no such thing as a Bunyip. Well what is a Bunyip to do about that! The answer apparently is to head off to live alone. That is, until one faithful evening, when another Bunyip rises out of the mud asking the eternal Bunyip-question: what am I. Four Stars. [B-] The artwork is wonderful. Good Read-aloud. The storyline is a little deep for very young children, but they should enjoy the cadence of the words and the pictures. Better suited, I think, for 8 to 11 year olds. Overall I give it an good slightly above average rating.

A bunyip emerges from a creek one night and wants to know what he is. The bunyip asks several Australain animals questions about itself, only to be confused and dissapointed by their response. Finally he has enough information to answer the question for another. A nice little Australian story, well illustrated, a little bit sad, but with a happy ending.

Jenny Wagner's _The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek_ is an award-winning picture book from Australia.In it, a Bunyip (an ugly but harmless creature) emerges from the mud of a creek. Various animals, including a platypus and emu, tell him that a bunyip is ugly. Eventually he meets a scientist who looks "right through" him, and tells him that bunyips don't exist. Eventually he packs his belongings and hikes away from his home. He comes upon a billabong, pitches camp, and lo and behold meets another bunyip. The new bunyip is in need of the same friendship and reassurance that our first bunyip could have used at the beginning of the story. Themes explored here are the value of support and friendship, and the importance of self-esteem. Also noted is the harm done by insults and indifference. Far from being preachy, the author and illustrator skillfully weave the theme into the plot.The illustrations are dark, and frequently are smaller than the page, framed in white. They are reminiscent of Maurice Sendak. The bunyip is no monster. He's not the horrific ghoul portrayed in movies such as Dot and the Kangaroo. He's an ugly but harmless patchwork of a beast, with mismatched body parts. His attitude is one of bewilderment, hopefulness, and persistence. I can't recommend this picture book highly enough. USA residents should check their public libraries, because the book is currently out of print in the USA.Ken32

Our two and a half year old daughter loves this book, preferring it to many Caldicott winners and other fine books. I understand the appeal. The drawings are brilliant, truly fantastic. The story is provocative to a two year old: the Bunyip has a mysterious origin, doesn't understand who he is or what he looks like, gradually discovers that he is a Bunyip, and eventually finds another Bunyip to spend time with. It's a tale of self-discovery and friendship, what could be better.