The impact of mass population

The Rabbits by John Marsden, illustrated by Shaun Tan. (Port Melbourne: Lothian, 1998.)


Winner: Children's Book Council of Australia: Children's Book of the Year Awards: Picture Book of the Year 1999.

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells of the arrival of technologically proficient "Rabbits" to a new land that leads to conflict with the indigenous residents, overcrowded cities and devastation of the natural environment. The rabbits are a metaphor for the white settlers of Australia and the story focuses on the impact of their arrival on the aboriginal people.  Whilst the story can be seen to be one sided (that of the indigenous), the bold and creative illustrations have powerful visual impact. Readers will come away thinking about the effects on habitat when little respect is shown for the natural environment.


Whilst categorised as a book for 9-12 year olds, teenagers will also appreciate the message being conveyed.

Cities and Urbanisation

Mirror by Jeannie Baker (London: Walker Books, 2010.)


Winner: Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards: Picture Book of the Year 2011

Another beautiful Jeannie Baker's wordless picture book, this one chronicling the difference between two boys lives, one living in a built up western city and another in a village environment in Morocco.  Readers can see the urbanisation and lifestyle of the big city and contrast with the relative safe and simple living of an eastern village.  Whilst differences are pronounced the book also shows us that we are all connected with and part of a community and that family, shelter, food and transport are important to us all.

Published as a picture book for young readers, this book has appeal for all ages and will certainly resonate with young teens.


Also by Jeannie Baker: Belonging, a wordless picture book depicting the changes in an urban landscape through an upper storey window and Window, where a natural green landscape is overtaken by urban sprawl.  Both books show the relationship between our environment and urbanisation. 
Visit Jeannie Baker's website to read more about her picture books.