School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 1987 December Gr 4-6 Focusing primarily on contemporary life, economics, and natural resources, Australia Today offers readers a lively and interesting look at the ``unknown south land.'' While acknowledging similarities between Australia and the United States, Arnold emphasizes Australia's unique qualities. Her style avoids textbook dryness, and information is as current as the America's Cup. The photographs are disappointing in terms of selection, and none are in color. Although readers are introduced to the lyrebird, the Tasmanian Devil, fairy penguins, and other fascinating animals, only the already familiar koala and kangaroo are pictured (with the exception of the frill-necked lizard). Although dated, Lepthien's Australia (Childrens, 1982) covers the same information in more depth and has many more photographs, all in color. Purchase this book for the text, but rely on the less-detailed Passport to Australia (Watts, 1987) and Lepthien's book for maps and illustrations. Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Lib . , Tex. Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.
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