QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy. 2009. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. Boston, MA. Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 978-0618-49641-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop create a wonderful photo essay book about their journey to New Guinea and their search for the elusive Tree Kangaroo. They detail their journey from the very start of packing all the way through their discoveries, challenges, and successes. This book is a fun read with great visuals and written expressions that ignite the imagination.

Young readers will enjoy the development of this great adventure through the dazzling photos and descriptive language about the processes, results, and habitat of New Guinea. Montgomery shares every detail and Bishop provides the photos of the environment, animals, native peoples, and researchers.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO, the real life photographs of the animals and people involved culminate to provide a first person experience for the reader and the journal like entries give a timeline of events as the reader progresses through the story. The photographs were taken by Nic Bishop along the way and Sy Montgomery documented the whole journey and process through her own personal writings. There are colorful maps and interesting facts provided within the book and tips located at the back for at home conversations and advice.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST review: “As usual, Bishop's color photographs are exemplary and extend the excitement in stunning close-ups of creatures and of the team at work.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Montgomery and Bishop continue their outstanding collaboration to introduce readers to scientists at work. Here, they document their participation in an expedition to the rugged and remote cloud forest of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive and fascinating Matschie's tree kangaroo.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*At the back of the book Lisa (the lead researcher) gives her advice for kids in five short points. These are great for sharing with readers and prompting discussion.

*Other books about animals:

Hughes, Catherine D. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LITTLE KIDS FIRST BIG BOOK OR ANIMALS. ISBN:  978-1426307041

DeMarco, Natalie. CHILDRENS READERS: PANDAS FOR KIDS – DISCOVER THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THESE AMAZING AND DELIGHTFUL ANIMALS.