Monday, 7 April 2025

The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants

The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants by Suzanne Houghton (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486319527

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Carnivorous plants are the weird and wonderful species that eat meat to survive. They come in a range of crazy shapes and colours, and they have developed ‘several clever ways to feed’. This might sound ‘gruesome’, but these unique plants need to be protected before they become extinct. All ‘plants have a role to play’ in the ecosystem, and carnivorous plants are no exception.

Suzanne Houghton’s cheery rhyming text introduces nature-loving five- to nine-year-olds to perhaps the world’s most intriguing plant group. Simple explanations help youngsters understand the often-complex processes by which the plants catch their prey, while humorous facts – such as the tropical pitcher plant’s predilection for shrew and bat poo – are sure to elicit a giggle or two. Comprehensive notes about carnivorous plants, plus a useful glossary, at the end of the book are superb for older children who want to know more about the subject.

Suzanne’s large and vibrant illustrations invite readers deep into the riveting realm of carnivorous plants. Kids will almost feel like ants themselves, as their eyes climb sticky stems and slide into slippery pitchers. One of the most striking spreads in the book features red-and-green pygmy sundews that resemble viruses under a microscope. The detail in each image is amazing!

Exploring beyond the common Venus flytrap, The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants opens a whole new botanical sphere for budding biologists. While examining these extraordinary plants, they will discover the importance of biodiversity, symbiosis and conservation to a blooming planet.

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