1. Animals
2. Environment
3. Habitat
4. Nature
5. Stories in rhyme
6. Visual literacy

Exuberant rhythm, rhyming couplets and creatures (‘beasties’) to be found in the backyard are sure to attract young listeners and viewers. The simple rhythmic text such as, ‘Chicken clucks to greet the dawn as possum slips across the lawn’, entice the child to anticipate the next beastie while chanting along with the verse. Rich verbs, such as ‘ventures’ and ‘croaks’, offer new vocabulary and broaden literacy experiences. The art on the left page highlights the text in white against dark, solid colours, while opposite the ‘beastie’ stands out against different, brightly coloured and motif patterned backgrounds. Backyard beasties include the chicken, possum, bobtail, dog, turtle, gecko, bat, quenda, frog and cat. The endpapers are also patterned and display all the various beasties, encouraging the viewer to experience the intense colours and intricate patterns while hunting for backyard beasties. The choice of beasties, both wild and domestic, could encourage discussion of how each creature interacts with the Australian environment.

Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She is currently a Professor at the University of Western Australia, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Commissioner with the National Mental Health Commission. In 2021 she was appointed WA Australian of the Year.

Series: Backyard no 3

1. Fremantle Press Teaching Notes, ‘Backyard Beasties’ https://1b124riq24c135lpm3nl6tz1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TN_BackyardBeasties.pdf
2. Backyard Buddies: An educational initiative of FNPW involves creating a ‘habitat’ for wildlife https://backyardbuddies.org.au/create-habitats/home-diy-projects/
3. Danya Banya. Creative fun for kids and mum. ‘Awesome Aussie Animal Crafts.’ https://www.danyabanya.com/aussie-animal-crafts-kids/