Sand Swimmers: The Secret Life of Australia's Desert Wilderness
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
Journey to the heart of Australia and find secret life in the harshest of deserts in this riveting true story captured in stunning illustrations. In the center of Australia lies a strange desert wilderness called the Dead Heart. It is difficult to imagine anything can exist in such a forbidding place. But the Dead Heart contains amazing stories of adaptation and survival. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers like Charles Sturt and learn what the indigenous people of Australia have long known: not all is quite as it seems. Narelle Oliver's intricate artwork and vivid language creates a spellbinding portrait of a mysterious desert landscape.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live in the Australian desert?
Why do you think the animals in the desert have adapted in such unique ways?
Can you think of any ways that the desert is important to our planet?
What was the most surprising thing you learned about the desert wildlife?
If you could ask a desert animal a question, what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the harsh desert environment and how the creatures must adapt to survive, fostering empathy and curiosity. Use the illustrations along with the text to help them visualize the story. Relate the book to any personal experiences or existing knowledge your child might have about deserts or animals, which can deepen their connection to the content. Finally, ask your child to think critically about the information by inviting them to consider questions they might have or surprising facts they learned. This not only improves comprehension but also makes the reading experience more interactive and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptation and Survival
Explanation: The book explores how creatures of the Australian desert have evolved and adapted to thrive in harsh conditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adaptability and resilience in overcoming challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Ecosystem Interdependence
Explanation: The narrative details the interconnectedness of desert creatures and their environment, highlighting the balance of the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the importance of all living beings and encourages respect and responsibility towards the environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book follows the journey of exploring the unseen and unknown parts of the desert, fostering a spirit of discovery.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be curious and explore the world around them, promoting continuous learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Conservation Awareness
Explanation: Through its depiction of the desert's fragile ecosystem, the book raises awareness about the need for conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of conservation efforts and be motivated to participate in or advocate for environmental protection initiatives.