Purinina: a devil's tale

Christina Booth (author/illustrator)

Lothian, Hachette, Australia: 2007

ISBN: 9780734409942

Genres: animal stories, picture book

Issues: environment

Beautifully illustrated, this narrative is a great way to introduce readers to one of Australia's most remarkable animals – the Tasmanian Devil.

Christina Booth's story is heavily factual, following a Devil cub's progress from birth to her own motherhood. The illustrations fill the whole page, immersing the reader in Purinina's world from a barely formed 'pink jellybean' to a young pup riding her mother's back, then an older pup learning survival skills. The images and text introduce the Devils' habitat and diet as well as common behaviour. When Purinina's mother dies, it is not directly stated or shown that she suffers from the facial tumours now threatening the species but it is certainly something that caregivers can discuss with younger readers.

While clearly showing the life cycle of one of Australia's unique and endangered animals, Purinina is much more. Colour is used to great effect to reinforce the moods of the story. Joyful reds and yellows express the energy of a lively litter of cubs. Sombre black and white tones dominate when Purinina's mother disappears and the cubs are left to survive on their own. Purinina's growing confidence is reflected in vibrant illustrations are designed to connect readers to a wild landscape that should be valued and protected – just as the animals that live there should be valued and protected. Booth tries to show readers that our role as humans should be caring and responsible rather than destructive and interfering, making this an excellent text to support units on sustainability, Australian animals and their environments, or animal welfare in general.

An appendix of 'Devilish Details' contains useful information for older readers, teachers and caregivers, giving a broader context to Purinina's story.

Highly recommended.

NB: Purinina is the Tasmanian Aboriginal word for what is more commonly called the Tasmanian Devil

Same author: Potato Music