Beneath the Trees

Lindsay Hasluck's Review 

Yet another great story from WA author Cristy Burne. When Cam and her family head East to visit the rainforest, Cam has a chance to make her dream come true. With no platypuses in WA, the hunt is on to see one. The small party of four kids, rugged up against the rain, set out to pursue Cam’s dream. But after trying to help a hurt platypus, Jack and Sophie fall into the flooded creek and Cam jumps to the rescue. The three of them find themselves lost in the forest in a grand adventure they never expected. Trying to return to safety, they must overcome a series of obstacles, met with fear and humour, in a hilarious and hardy trek. Finally, after a timely rescue, the platypus they had been seeking is caught, tended and released amongst the children’s smiles. A dream completed.

A well written story that demonstrates the resilience, tenacity and fortitude of the youngsters sticking together and making the right decisions, while humour keeps their spirits buoyed. Set in the Australian bush, the book is a good introduction to Eastern wilderness adventure for WA kids. Fun reading for child and parent alike.

Publisher's Review 

Beneath the Trees is an adventure story about courage, leadership and leeches. It is for everyone who's ever wanted to see a platypus.

Cam and Sophie feel like they've been travelling forever to get to the rainforest and the river and their cousins. They just want to see a platypus in the wild, but with the rain tipping down and the river turning wild they can't see a thing. Until suddenly, they can. A platypus is just below them, and it needs help! But when their rescue attempt goes horribly wrong, it's not just the platypus that needs saving . . .