Cirrus@Austlit

'Written as a protest against a proposed $1.2 billion bauxsite mine near the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve at the Cape York Peninsula, this chidren’s book has eighteen vibrant illustrations of the rainforest and its animals. A gentle, wise and old tree encourages a Sugar Glider to look for a new home before the mining comes. Scared and alone, the Sugar Glider starts looking for a new home, despite the fact it is daytime. The tree helps other animals too: A Rhinoceros Beetle climbs its branches and is blown away, far away from the mine site. A Cassowary, a flightless bird that is native to the tropical rainforests of North Eastern Australia, is also featured as a loyal friend to the tree. The tree rustled its leaves thoughtfully. “Once, a long time ago when I was much smaller, another mine threatened us. Some caring humans chained themselves to my mother tree and they save the forest. Perhaps they will help us again.”' (Publication summary)