From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-This colorful guide provides a glimpse of Aboriginal heritage as well as physical descriptions of the central desert region of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) in Australia's Northern Territory. These sites, which are now part of a national park, are sacred to the Anangu, and Arnold provides a brief overview of the history and beliefs of "Australia's First People." The concept of Tjukurpa, a view of the world and its creation as well as the laws that govern daily life, is explained, and the author points out physical features of the rock formations that are related to events that occurred during the creation time. Other chapters discuss the formation's geological history, the plants and animals that live there and in the surrounding region, and the desert climate. The text offers good examples of the relationship between the Aboriginal people and the land, and their use of its resources. The writing is lucid and logical. All of the full-color photographs are appropriately labeled, but some are slightly out of focus. The index is useful, but it omits some important words, e.g., mulga and wallaby. An adequate resource for libraries with a need for information about this region and its inhabitants.
Paul J. Bisnette, Silas Bronson Library, Waterbury, CTCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 4-8. Arnold takes readers on an informative tour of Uluru, the enormous red sandstone rock that rises from the flat plain of the central Australian desert. Once called Ayres Rock and billed as a tourist attraction within a national park, Uluru and the land surrounding it have been returned to the Anangu, the aboriginal people of the area, who now control access to sacred sites and allow visitors entry to the area in a way that protects and enhances their land. Arnold retells several traditional stories connected with Uluru, discusses the geology and origins of the rock formation, and introduces the surrounding desert landscape and its wildlife. The book's greatest accomplishment, though, is to give readers a sense of the ongoing spiritual importance of Uluru to the Anangu, who have lived around it for 10,000 years. Clear, colorful photos of Uluru and its surroundings appear on nearly every page, illustrating the text with beauty and finesse. The presentation concludes with a combination glossary and pronunciation guide and an author's note, which recommends a few books.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
