Under the Southern Cross
Age 5+
People & Places
Resources
Creators
Frané Lessac is an author and illustrator of international renown, having over forty children’s books published throughout the world. She was born in the USA and lived on the Caribbean island of Montserrat and London before moving to Australia. Frané has contributed her distinctive paintings to many critically acclaimed children’s picture books, including My Little Island, a Reading Rainbow feature book. Also, On the Same Day in March was named a Top Ten Science Books by ALA Booklist. Frané’s contribution to Amnesty International’s We Are All Born Free, celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been translated into more than 30 languages and was a USBBY Outstanding International Book.
Reviews
Children will be intrigued with the facts given and ask further questions while poring over the illustrations, seeking out the Southern Cross in the night sky on each page, while seeing where Banjo the dog is hidden.
ReadPlus
Under the Southern Cross is a joyful book that thankfully moves away from the usual Australian stereotypes to incorporate lesser-known and possibly more interesting details. A lovely invitation to get to know this beautiful country a little more, it would be a great addition to any child’s library and especially useful in kindergartens and early primary school classrooms.
Reading Time
So many wonders in the sky after dark!
Trevor Cairney Blog
Do you ever read a book and think, ‘well for glory goodness sake why hasn’t that been done before?!’. That was my first thought on reading Lessac’s latest book – another sumptios offering from a talented author/illustrator.
Children's Books Daily
Under the Southern Cross is very satisfying to read either aloud or to oneself and is sure to become a classic, popular with Australians and visitors to this country alike.
Magpies Magazine
