Possum Tragic

Maree Coote has never been a creator who shies away from difficult subjects. There is no doubt this book will ruffle some feathers (and fur) but it’s message of conservation and respect for the rich Australian environment is loud and clear. As a jumping off point for discussions with children about consumerism, conservation, and environmental harm, this book is an excellent resource. There is a lot to gain from examining Maree Coote’s illustrative style and how it lends itself to the subject matter. The text is all about rhyming, and the language play makes the book all more engaging. This accomplished and highly worthy picture book deserves to be widely read by everyone. – Sue Osborne * Magpie Magazine *

Maree Coote is an author and illustrator of three award-winning local histories and more than 20 children’s books with high-concept Design and Art themes, each with a notable sense of Place. Coote has maintained a prolific output since 2003. Her award-winning best seller Azaria: A True History is a mainstay of the Australian School curriculum. She is also renowned for her fresh and playful take on typography that blurs the boundaries between word and image in her unique ‘Letter Art’ / ‘Fontigram’ series which has generated exciting collaborations and numerous exhibitions in Italy and in South Korea.

Coote’s books have been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council Awards in Australia; won the Non Fiction Mention Prize at the Bologna Ragazzi Fiere in 2017, and been awarded South Korea’s Nami Concours 2017 Distinction Prize, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria Gold Award 2012, Silver for Best Illustration in Moonbeam Awards USA, 2018, and three times Gold for Best Regional Book in the USA Independent Publisher Awards USA in 2014, 2015 and 2023.

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