It is a sunny day in the Australian bush, and all the animals are busy with one thing or another. No one notices the sad little animal underneath the bush, who watches them all but lacks the confidence to join in. Eventually someone notices and they all gather around Bilby, who explains he is looking for a home. Each of the animals describes their home and explains how it would not be suitable for Bilby. Just when it looks like there will be no place for him, they come up with the perfect idea.
The illustrations appear in a series of double page spreads, with the text down one half of the page, and the illustration across the other page and a half. The colours are reflective of the environment – the olive greens of the bush and the reds and browns of the plains. Each animal is depicted in Indigenous style patterns. The start of the book has an introduction about the bilby, with more information about its history and current status. This book won the Western Australia Premier’s Book Award, Children's Book Category in 2004.
Joanne Crawford is descended from the Nhunda people of the Geraldton area of WA. Grace Fielding was raised at the Wandering Mission south east of Perth, Western Australia.
Sequel: Bilby and the Bushfire
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
