WellRead's March Kids' Selection: Birdsong by the Billabong by Maura Finn

This month, we’re headed on a colourful and musical adventure to the billabong!

Did you know that ‘billabong’ is a word that comes from the language of the Wiradjuri people in south western New South Wales? It means a big pond or a lake that’s left behind when a river changes direction. Water is a special part of our environment – it’s a source of freshwater and a home for many plants and animals. 

In these pages, you’ll explore the banks of the billabong, meeting a chorus of locals as they warble, squawk, buzz and hum, creating a raucous symphony. Peek behind spiky branches, towering tree trunks and aromatic flowers to discover the hidden music of the bush. 

Other things to think and do: 

• Can you spot any plants, animals or insects that share a colour that you might find in the rainbow? (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo or Violet!)
  
  
• You might not live near a billabong, but there are plenty of birds and insects you’ll recognise in this story – have you seen any of these musical creatures around the area in which you live?
  
  
• If you could play any musical instrument to join the billabong band, what would you play?
  
  
• Have you ever been caught out in the rain? What did you do to keep dry?
  
  
• Storms can be loud and very wet, but they always pass and lots of good things can come after a storm – like rainbows and fresh water! Next time grey clouds gather above you, take cover like our feathered friends, but keep an eye out for a rainbow!