Night time has come to the Australian bush. Caspar’s family is asleep in their tent. But Caspar cannot sleep. He is taking his last night walk as tomorrow the family is going home. The night creatures watch as he puts on his boots and his backpack, takes a torch and a whistle around his neck. His dad says he must wear it when walking in the bush alone. We go with him as he stares in wonder at the myriad of stars and the crescent moon peeping between the trees. He notices the funny little trail of an echidna and surprises a large grey wombat busily digging a hole with its sharp claws. He finds a snakeskin which he’ll take home for his friend, Levi, who is also on holidays, but overseas. He wonders what she is doing on her last day of her holidays.

This is a story of a thoughtful little boy’s love of exploring the bush and its animals. Of being alone, sitting quietly but feeling the excitement of being part of the world around him.

But it’s also a story of a friendship between two children who, even though having their different adventures in different places, can still think and care about one another.

No review can do this book justice. The ethereal beauty of the artwork and the author’s poetic language is mesmerising. Every time I turn the pages I see something utterly beautiful and winsome which I have missed before. It is a book to cherish.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 5+