Hunwick's Egg

Module 1

Fox, Mem. 2005. Hunwick's egg. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN 0-15-216318-2

Summary: Hunwick is a bandicoot living near a desert in the Australian bush. One day he finds an egg near his burrow. He questions other animals about it but no one knows who it belongs to. Hunwick protects the egg while everyone waits for it to hatch. Even though it doesn't hatch (and only Hunwick discovers why), Hunwick learns about love and companionship.

Critical Analysis: This picture book is delightfully illustrated by Pamela Lofts, an Australian native, in watercolor pencil on Fabrian cotton watercolor paper. The details in the ilustrations reflect her knowledge of her environment while at the same time show her sense of humor. Mem Fox, also from Australia (although she spent much of her youth in Zimbabwe), has succeeded in producing a book which is authentic in the details unique to Australia, yet reaches across all cultures. This international story will teach children about unusual animals with unusual names in Australia, but it will also emphasize the themes of love and acceptance which can be understood everywhere.

Review Excerpts: Booklist says ". . .Fox's gentle text may resonate with young ones who feel a magical connection or companionship with their own cherished rock, shell, or shred of blanket." Gillian Engberg (American Library Association)

"Young readers will appreciate Hunwick's loyalty and may be curious to learn more about the exotic animals portrayed in the lovely artwork." (School Library Journal, 2005)

Connections: This book could be paired with others written by Mem Fox including Possum Magic, Wombat Divine, and Koala Lou. These books are all delightful stories about Australian animals and could be included as part of a unit on Australia.