QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA by Sy Montgomery

1. Bibliography

Montgomery, Sy. 2006. Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea. Ill by Nic Bishop. New York: Sandpiper. ISBN 9780547248929

2. Plot Summary

Sy Montgomery invites readers on an amazing journey to get to know the mysterious and endangered Matschie's tree kangaroo of New Guinea. Readers are introduced to the passionate conservationist Lisa Dabek and her unique team who are focused on helping to save the rare tree kangaroos found only in the primeval cloud forest of New Guinea from extinction. Montgomery brings this magical environment to life as she describes the flora, fauna and peoples of this beautiful landscape. She also shares the excitement and efforts of those accompanying her on this journey as they use their unique skills to learn more about the cuddly looking tree kangaroos in hopes of helping to rescue this unique creature from extinction. Montgomery's visual prose is perfectly complimented with stunning and candid photographs by Nic Bishop of the expedition to the cloud forest. Through this book readers are able to explore the cloud forest of New Guinea, learn about the amazing Matschie's tree kangaroo, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to do important field work in the world of science.

3. Critical Analysis

Montgomery seamlessly merges Bishop's large color photographs with her clear, engaging text to create a real adventure story readers will never forget. The text includes illustrated maps of the New Guinea region, captioned photographs of the plants and animals found living among the tree kangaroos, and candid views of the conservation team and the native people of this area during the expedition. Helpful pronunciation guides are provided along side unfamiliar and hard to pronounce words. Montgomery also includes helpful advice from Dr. Lisa Dabek and a list of websites of where to see and find out more about tree kangaroos. She also includes a small glossary of “Tok Pisin” vocabulary, the native language of the people of New Guinea, and a helpful index at the end of the book. End notes from the author and the photographer bring home the important call for help in conservation efforts for the tree kangaroo. This is an informative, engaging book for aspiring scientists and conservationists of all ages.

4. Awards and Review Excerpts(s)

*2006 Sibert Honor Book

*2006 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

*A Green Earth Honor Book from the Newton Marasco Foundation

*A National Science Teachers Association Council on Children's Books Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12 Selection

*A NSTA/CBC Selector's Choice

*Starred review from School Library Journal: “Montgomery and Bishop continue their outstanding collaboration to introduce readers to scientists at work. Here, they document their participation in an expedition to the rugged and remote cloud forest of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive and fascinating Matschie's tree kangaroo. Biologist Lisa Dabek heads a team of scientists from around the world who work with local guides to locate the creatures and fit them with radio collars to learn more about them. Bishop's photographs capture the expedition in detail. Stunning close-ups of plants, insects, and birds vie for attention with panoramas of moss-draped trees in the eerie, ancient forest. Montgomery describes both the hardships and exhilaration of the enterprise. She also introduces readers to some of the local people dedicated to conservation efforts. Dabek's pursuit of her interest in animals despite problems with asthma and her suggestions about exploring the natural world should encourage young scientists. The book's fascinating glimpses into a little-explored region will hold the attention of anyone interested in unusual creatures and the efforts to study them.”

*Starred review from Booklist: “Montgomery gives a chronological, sometimes moment-by-moment account of the challenging climb into the remote cloud forest, the conditions in camp (rice-and-fern dinners, icy waterfall showers), and the awe-inspiring encounters with barely studied animals....Montgomery gives an unusually strong, visceral sense of the work and cooperation fieldwork entails and the scope and uniqueness of this particular mission.”

5. Connections

*Dabek and her team set out to study only one kind of tree kangaroo, the Matschie's tree kangaroo, on this expedition. However, there are ten different kinds of tree kangaroo found throughout the world. Research the different kinds of tree kangaroo and create a graph showing what they share in common and how they differ from one another.

*Dr. Lisa Dabek gives kids five great suggestions on how they can follow their passion for studying animals. Pick one of her suggestions and follow it now. Share your experience with a friend or an adult.

*More books about tree kangaroos:

Clark, Willow. Tree Kangaroos (Up a Tree). ISBN 1448863376

Miller, Chuck. Tree Kangaroos (Animals of the Rain Forest). ISBN 0739855328