1. Animal tracks
2. Animals
3. Birds
4. Bushfires
5. Country
6. Culture
7. Ecosystems
8. Endpapers
9. Environmental degradation
10. Environmental education
11. Fish
12. Indigenous knowledge
13. Music
14. Nature
15. Rivers and creeks
16. Trees
17. Visual literacy
18. Water

‘Animals on Country’ takes the reader along on a walk through the bush with Uncle Kuu as he explains the ways in which humans can care for animals on Country. The book touches on how Aboriginal people hunt animals responsibly, the importance of caring for Country, and the impacts of pollution and land clearing on native animals. The unique relationship between Aboriginal people and their totem animal is explored throughout the story to explain its important role in maintaining animal populations.

Illustrator Sandra Steffenson was inspired by the lush landscapes surrounding her hometown on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland. The double page spreads are clear and colourful and were created using pen, watercolour and acrylics.

At the end of the story, Uncle Kuu teaches the children the song ‘The Animals’ by Mulong. The end of the book contains lyrics, musical score, and a QR code that will direct the reader to a YouTube video of the song.

Both the author, Victor Steffensen, and the illustrator, Sandra Steffensen, are descendants of the Tagalaka People from the Gulf Country of north Queensland. Animals on Country is one of Victor’s many creative projects that aim to share traditional knowledge values.

1. Allen & Unwin ‘Animals on Country’ by Victor Steffenson. Illustrated by Sandra Steffenson. Includes links to teaching notes https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Victor-Steffensen,-illustrated-by-Sandra-Steffensen-Animals-on-Country-9781761181566
2. ReadPlus 1 October 2025. Fran Knight reviews ‘Animals on Country’ https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/animals-on-country
3. Kids’ Book Review 15 September 2025 Shaye Wardrop reviews ‘Animals on Country’ http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2025/09/review-animals-on-country.html
4. Storylinks 3 September 2025. Barbara Braxton reviews ‘Animals on Country’ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2025/09/03/animals-on-country/
5. Evolve Communities ‘Aboriginal Totems’ https://www.evolves.com.au/aboriginal-totems/
6. Common Ground ‘Connection to Animals and Country’ https://www.commonground.org.au/article/connection-to-animals-and-country
7. ‘The Animals’ by Mulong (Youtube) Music video of song from ‘Animals on Country’ by Victor Steffenson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_YDF88lTs