Hall’s lift-the-flap book Guess Who? had illustrations from John Gould’s famous books, The Birds of Australia and The Mammals of Australia. Gostelow (1867-1944), whose paintings of birds appear in this companion book, is not at all as well known as Gould. He was a country schoolteacher for 50 years in NSW, who on retirement, completed 730 bird paintings and bequeathed them to the National Library of Australia. Details from these attractive paintings are used to create a book for preschoolers, with a guessing element and sturdy flaps to lift. Each page opening follows the same format and text outline. A newly hatched infant bird asks, ‘Where’s my Mum? I wonder if she’s that bird with the big beak’ (or colourful feathers, bony helmet etc), and a peek view of the bird on the flap. Lifting the flap reveals the full portrait. The underside of the flap has five one-line facts about each of the various birds: a Little Penguin, an Australian Pelican, Galah, Cassowary, Powerful Owl, Red-capped Parrot, Willie Wagtail, Brolga, Wedge-tailed Eagle and Black Swan. Nature study and entertainment for preschoolers and an excellent gift book for overseas visitors. Those wishing to encourage young twitchers need look no further.

Kerry White is a bibliographer and a major contributor to The Source, an online resource

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