A Hollow is a Home Review

Written by Abbie Mitchell and illustrated by Astred Hicks

Recommended for ages 8+ years

This is a very interesting information book which details the importance of tree hollows...a hollow is a home!

We learn that hollows can be found in live trees and standing dead trees (called stags), and the various places on a tree they can be found (p.14), also how long they take to form...for some animals needing a larger size entrance, the hollow could take up to 300 years to form!

We learn about the different Australian animals dependent on hollows for their habitat (more than 340 species) and what sort of hollow entrance size different animals need.

We learn how animals claim, keep and look after their hollow home, and the different threats to hollow habitats.

Abbie also shares with us the different methods scientists use to find tree hollows, how to find out if you have any hollow dwellers in the trees where you live, and how to turn your backyard into a home for wildlife, including making a nest box (an alternative to a natural hollow).

This book also gives us information about different hollow dwelling animals, which though interesting, makes this book very busy.

Another interesting feature of this book is the information on conservation status on p.7, and the list of hollow using animals in Australia (their species, common name and scientific name) - at the back of the book.

Abbie Mitchell is an environmental educator who provides school and community programs to celebrate and promote Australian biodiversity. She lives in the bush with her husband, two kids, some stingless beehives and a couple of charismatic dogs – and lots of native creatures.

Astred Hicks is an award-winning book designer, illustrator and author. She has been designing books for over 10 years through her Sydney-based business Design Cherry. Astred’s illustrations and photos give this information a huge burst of colour.

Visually Stunning!