Nana and I walk through the paddock most days.
And you know what? An echidna lives here.
We don’t always see it.
But I’m always looking for it.
As a young child and their nana go for walks together,
they follow a short-beaked echidna,
keenly observing and discussing
what its life might be life.
A wonderful addition to the acclaimed
and award-winning Nature Storybook series,
which provides memorable reading experiences,
combining narrative and factual forms.
Illustrated by Cate James
Walker Books Australia: Nature Storybooks
Hardback ISBN: 9781760652401
Paperback ISBN: 9781760656263
Paperback edition: July 2023
Buy this book from your LOCAL BOOKSHOP or online at
REVIEWS
“Highly recommended … I found all the information fascinating, written in such a way as to entreat younger readers, allowing them to see themselves walking along a bush track and spying an animal too, and given information about how to respect the animal in its habitat.” Fran Knight, ReadPlus
“What I like most about this book is Sue Whiting’s matter of fact writing style, which speaks to its child audience with respect, eye to eye…” Living Arts Canberra
Primary Non-Fiction Book of the Month – Lamont Books
“… Sue Whiting introduces us to the world of the ‘spiny anteater’ in a heart-warming story between a child and her grandmother. Exploring themes such as family, shared experiences, nature, science and Australian animals in their habitat, this is a story combining fact and fiction. Through the use of descriptive and informative storytelling, The Echidna Near My Place is an engaging and memorable read for primary school learners exploring the world of science and geography…” Shelley Stephens Reading Time Magazine
“… Rich in information, colour and a beautiful narrative. It is a must for your bookshelf, or coffee table and a perfect gift which will appeal to all ages.” Picture Book Book Club
“… This is the latest addition to the Nature Storybooks series, one of my favourites for young readers as it combines a narrative story with a factual account so they learn so much more about the fascinating creatures that inhabit their world, particularly Australia …” The Bottom Shelf
AWARDS AND LISTS
CBCA Notable Book in two categories: Early Childhood and Eve Pownall
Shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, 5-8 years category
The Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge list, Grades 3&4
The South Australian Premier’s Reading Challenge, all grades
INTERVIEWS
Video interview with zookeeper at Taronga Zoo – CBCA NSW Curious Creatures, Wild Minds event Book Week 2020 (I meet the echidna at the 4 minute mark.)