Cobber

Cobber by Pam Slattery (Boolarong Press) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781925877588

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Cobber is an engaging narrative that delves into the northern Australian rainforest to take a look at a variety of animals that occupy the lush habitat, and their purpose for being there.

‘Cobber’, the Southern Cassowary, was told by his father that he had a special purpose for being in the rainforest…only he wasn’t told what it was. Cobber reflects on the fact that all he does is eat and poo all day, so he seeks to find out his true purpose. On his quest to find the answer, he roams the rainforest and comes across a range of creatures, including the White-tailed Rat, Longicorn Beetle and the Orange-footed Scrubfowl. He asks each of them if they can enlighten him as to his purpose. None of them are able to help him, instead, they share their own reason for being there. Fortunately, he meets a Boobook Owl who is a wealth of knowledge and can shed light on the Cassowary’s very important purpose.

Cobber’s story is depicted using watercolour artwork, adding a beautiful visual to complement the text. At the conclusion of the story, there is descriptive detail about each of the animals as well as information about the author/illustrator, Pam Slattery.

Cobber is an entertaining and informative picture book recommended for children aged 5 years and older. It would be a great addition to any early years’ classroom library.