The Cockatoo Wars (Helen Milroy, Magabala)
The Cockatoo Wars is the latest picture book in Helen Milroy’s vibrant Tales from the Bush Mob series. Featuring a cast of Australian animals including Dingo, Willy Wagtail, Platypus and Wombat, and drawing from First Nations philosophies, the books celebrate the Australian bush and focus on themes of problem solving, courage and community. Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and her storytelling and artistic talents come to life in this series. The Cockatoo Wars, true to the title, follows brawling cockatoo clans who are too busy disagreeing to notice that a bushfire has broken out. It’s up to two mother cockatoos and their sons to seek the help of the Bush Mob Council, who step in to encourage the groups to work together to save their precious forest. The landscape and characters are richly drawn in full colour and the story emphasises the importance of respecting First Nations culture, country and community. Bold endpapers and a detailed introduction to the animals frame the story. There is a happy ending to be found here, and a strong message for young readers. Suitable for ages six and up, with plenty of text to read independently or aloud, this dramatic picture book is an outback adventure worth discovering.
Karys McEwen is the library manager at Prahran High School, a middle-grade author, and the vice president of CBCA VIC Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
