Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea
About the Reviewer:
Kyle A.
Read, Write & Win 1st place, 4th Grade, 2009
As reviewed by: Kyle A.
Nominated by: Booklist
Annotation: Journey along with scientists as they explore the mountains of New Guinea in search of the rare Matschie's tree kangaroo which they hope to capture, radio collar, release and study in order to help the it survive in the wild.
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo, by Sy Montgomery, is about a team of scientists who were studying tree kangaroos. They went to an island called Papua New Guinea to study this rare animal species. Nobody had ever been able to successfully track and study them before. When I read this book, I became so interested before I knew it, it was over! The way it's written, the dialogue, and the pictures make you want to read it over and over.
This book tells how Lisa Dabek led a team of scientists, trackers, guides, and a veterinarian on an expedition to the Cloud Forests of Papua New Guinea to successfully find and track one of the rarest animals on earth, the Matschie's tree kangaroo. Nobody had ever been able to do it so far because of volcanoes, diseases, crocodiles, and much more. The main reason, however, is that they are almost impossible to find because they're so hard to see! This team basically had to do the impossible!
Mr. Montgomery wrote this book as a journal. This gives the reader a perspective as if you were one of the team. One part I thought was really cool was when they captured a mother and a joey, whom they named "Junior," and the joey was so calm that when they studied him, they just held him. They didn't have to give him anesthesia. He must have been so furry! Nobody could resist petting him. Tree kangaroos only live in Papua New Guinea and the Cloud Forests are being destroyed for timber. Also, lots of plants and animals live there that have been around since the dinosaurs. It is a magical island, like time forgot it.
The book has a magical feeling that makes you be able to see the kangaroos in your imagination. It made me want to do everything I can to help them. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. It's the sort of book that carries you away and makes you want to do things, like go and see the tree kangaroos for yourself. I hope that I can become a scientist and help save rare animals like this one.
Cornerstones
of Science
A National Science Literacy Initiative
Originating from Brunswick, Maine
PO Box 955 Brunswick, ME 04011
Executive Director Jocelyn Hubbell
copyright 2010. all rights reserved.
Cornerstones
of Science
A National Science Literacy Initiative
Originating from Brunswick, Maine
PO Box 955 Brunswick, ME 04011
Executive Director Jocelyn Hubbell
copyright 2010. all rights reserved.
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