Creature Corridors

Creature Corridors by Billie Rooney and Anke Noack (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486318100

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Wildlife corridor, habitat corridor, green corridor – or creature corridor – have you seen one? Maybe you have but didn’t know what it was. Or didn’t even realise what it was for.

I remember the first time I saw one—a bridge, in this case. I can’t remember how long ago it was, but I was in the back seat of a car travelling down a highway and spotted this overpass-type thing stretching from one side of the road to the other. “What is that?” I asked. It looks like a footbridge, but it’s way too skinny for a human.” Later, I looked it up. “Cool!”

It was cool – but also not cool because the reason that corridor had to be built was because of land clearing to make way for humans to put that highway through native habitat, just so we could get from point A to point B more conveniently.

We could easily dismiss the impact humans have had on native habitats and wildlife numbers, but Creature Corridors chooses to examine this topic in a positive way. Yes, we’re responsible for the loss of habitat, but now some people are trying to make amends.

Billie Roonie has crafted a sensitive yet honest narrative that explores the different types of corridors, why our wildlife needs them and how they are used. Roonie describes a range of wildlife corridors that ensure the survival of all creatures – from koala and crab bridges to a line of trees specifically left to provide shelter and safe bird nesting. There is even mention of a ‘leafy garden with logs to hide under’ for lizards to keep safe from dogs, cats and foxes.

Anke Noack’s beautiful illustrations capture the colours of our bushland and add a touch of quirkiness to a range of native animals from all habitats, from grasslands to the sea.

In an era of ongoing construction – more cities, more roads, less green space – it is uplifting to know that there are moves to conserve our wildlife. Children need to see this sort of positivity, care and kindness, and to understand the importance of these practices continuing and expanding.

For readers, and educators, who want more than the delightful narrative, the author and publisher have also included a glossary and two double-page spreads of detailed backmatter information, the first focusing on wildlife corridors, and the second covering all animal classes (from mammals and marsupials to reptiles) and habitats and giving further information about the corridors mentioned in the narrative.

CSIRO Publishing recommend Creature Corridors for children aged 5 to 9 (Kindergarten to Year 3) – and it certainly fits into the curriculum in this range and will appeal to readers. However, I can also see older readers being engaged on a different level as they are learning about sustainability and environmental practices – either at home or at school. Either way, reading this book encourages all of us to be more aware and to consider what we can do to support our wildlife.