Kilmeny Niland (1950–2009)

The book gives no clues about the author so I found myself doing some research on Google. And found that there was an intertwined NZ/Australian link. Her mother was NZ born Ruth Park..and I remember listening to the radio broadcasts of her story of the "Muddle headed Wombat" ..as a child. Kilmeny Niland spent some time in both NZ and Australia but went to school in Australia and, I guess, is mostly identified as Australian. She died relatively young (59) which was clearly a loss to the art world. I must confess that I love her illustrations of animals. How does she convey that softness of fur just with brush strokes and subtle colour changes. She has a very sure and deft touch and this is truly a lovely book.....featuring....as the title says: "Bright eyes and bushy tails". Well, more or less because there is also a picture of a pheasant and a marine iguana (with nary a bushy tail in sight). Each full page illustration is accompanied by some interesting text and by a pen and ink drawing of the same animal...though not in the same pose.
I really loved the book. Five stars from me.… (more)

Storm, age 4: I like By-Jingo Dingo and Blossom Possum.

Yasmine, age 5: I like Echo Gecko and Abacus Platypus, but I don't like Joanna Goanna who has a wobbly bit under her chin.

Annelise, age 7: My favourites are Blossom Possum, Echo Gecko and I-Seen-You- Emu.

Mum: I'd never heard of Blossom Possum until my daughter's class gave a very entertaining performance, but I'm glad that I now own a copy. This is a wonderful Australian adaptation of the Chicken Little story. The kids love chiming in with each animal's name and looking at the beautiful illustrations. This is one of the few books that don't elicit a sigh from poor old mum when the kids ask her to read it "just one more time".… (more)