Children's Book Review: Paddy O'Melon by Julia Cooper and Daryl Dickson

Paddy O'Melon is a wonderful children's book with an important message about conserving our natural heritage. 

Paddy O'Melon is an adorable little joey who becomes separated from his mother's care, and is found by the O'Melons, an Irish family who now reside in a tropical rainforest in northern Queensland. The family are wildlife rescuers and they take Paddy into their home, offering him food and shelter. 
But Paddy wants to discover who he really is and where he really comes from, so he sets out on a journey throughout the rainforest to see if he can find out.
He meets some very interesting animals along the way - a ringtail possum, tree-kangaroo, and green tree frogs to name a few!
But it is the cassowary that holds the answer and can take Paddy back to the safety of his home.

This is such a delightful book with a very powerful message, and the illustrations of the animals are detailed and beautiful. 
The author of this book, Julia Cooper, was a conservationist and educator, teaching people about the natural wonders of the world, and the importance of looking after our wildlife. Sadly, Julia passed away in 2011, and her partner Martin Cohen hopes that by publishing Paddy O'Melon, Julia's passion and spirit will live on. 

The book is released this August through EK Books. It is aimed at readers aged between 4-10 years old, and has an RRP of $14.99
For further information on the book, including where to purchase, head here