Tardigrades Nature’s Toughest Survivors

Tardigrades Nature’s Toughest Survivors (CSIRO) Anne Morgan & Jennifer Falkner PB RRP $24.99 9781486316052

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Anne Morgan is a seasoned award-winning author who lives in Tasmania.  She has a PhD in writing for which she won the university medal. Her picture book The Way of the Weedy Seadragon (CSIRO Publishing, 2021) was a CBCA Notable Book and shortlisted in the Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

Jennifer Falkner is an illustrator based in Perth. Her work is inspired by her passion for nature, the antics of her two boys and her time spent working in South-East Asia. 

Tardigrades are micro critters that have incredible survival powers. This book is a journey of discovery about these fascinating creatures which are even older than dinosaurs and still here on earth.

Anne Morgan’s text shows the reader why Tardigrades are so fascinating and special. The opening page is an invitation to find out more. By comparing Tardigrades to animals and humans, the reader sees why they are so tough. But one kind of creature can survive extreme dangers that would kill almost every other organisation. They must be World Champion Survivors! By sharing extreme places, they are found Morgan shows their toughness without having to say too much about them. Their true name is not shown in the beginning, so the reader page turns to discover. Can you guess what these animals are yet?

Questions are used as an invitation to think as well as seek the answer. The language is simple but effective. Tardigrades might look like caterpillars in sleeping bags, but they’re not insects. Morgan uses what a child knows to help them understand and learn about Tardigrades. She tells us what they are not to show what they are. The words lead the reader to keep on reading. But the Tardigrades have an even more fascinating trick. The information is fresh and fascinating with the sharing of facts, like suspended animation. Morgan also allows a child’s imagination to play. The backmatter is great for further learning and understanding and teachers will really appreciate this. A detailed glossary is helpful and educational too.

Jennifer Falkner’s illustrations are informative yet playful. The cover is eye-catching with its space background and a colourful circular design around the title shows Tardigrades and extreme places you will find them. The endpapers feature many Tardigrades on a pale blue background blowing in the wind just like they do in real life. Extra visual information is shared that supports the text beautifully. For example, tough animals are mentioned and then the illustrations feature lots of tough animals. Perspective is used to advantage and playful imagination. White space is used sparingly but to great effect. The Tardigrades even look quite comical which gives them likeability as book characters. The colour palette varies and enhances the text. The visuals in the backmatter have both detail and a fun element.

Tardigrades Nature’s Toughest Survivors is a picture book that is intriguing and interesting about a fascinating topic. Children do like learning about unusual creatures that have superpowers so this book will capture interest. It will appeal to children, parents, teachers and librarians Those with a special interest in science will really enjoy and appreciate this book. It’s a fascinating read for children 5-9 years.