One Potoroo - A Story of Survival
Author : Penny Jaye
Illustrator : Alicia Rogerson
When a bushfire destroys Potoroo's home, he becomes one of the last surviving Gilbert's Potoroos at Two Peoples Bay in Western Australia. Frightened, hurt and alone, Potoroo needs a new home – somewhere safe from predators and with plenty of his favourite food. Luckily, a team of conservationists know where Potoroo can go to be safe.
One Potoroo: A Story of Survival is a beautifully illustrated book about the world's most endangered marsupial, the Gilbert's Potoroo, and the conservation work that has kept this unique Australian alive.
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Shortlisted, The Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature 2022: Picture Fiction
Notable Book, The CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Information Books 2022
Certificate of Commendation, The Royal Zoological Society of NSW 2022 Whitley Awards: Historical Zoology
Publisher : CSIRO Publishing August 2021
ISBN : 9781486314645
Buy in Australia
Reviews
“Every page in this book is beautifully illustrated with little Potoroo tugging at our heartstrings. This is a book that all children should be introduced to. 5/5 stars.”
““Alicia Rogerson’s painted illustrations really allow the reader to see the Potoroo’s habitat, what it looks like & how the big world looks from its perspective. .
The illustrations are drawn so that as the story is being read, the reader can actually take a view from the Potoroo’s perspective – the rocks it hides beneath, the leaves they hop upon and the night sky they forage under.””
“The striking nature of the illustrations support the emotions of the story. They immerse the reader in the scenery of the West Australian bush, making us feel that we’re right there caught up in the tense predicament of this brave marsupial.
A story of hope, compassion and overcoming, this book is a great resource to start important conversations about the environment.”
Video Timelapse
One Potoroo fire scene
Gilbert’s Potoroo hiding behind a rock
Gilbert’s Potoroo being transported to it’s new home.
Additional Resources
Teacher Notes
Created by the CSIRO as a resource support for use in the classroom.
You can download a copy of the notes here.
Gilbert’s Potoroo Action Group
A volunteer community group helping save this animal from extinction by raising funds, providing volunteer support and increasing public awareness.
