This distinctive picture book features entertaining text and dynamic illustrations and is a unique way to introduce readers to a selection of sporting events and amazing creatures.

Who do you think would win a gold medal in basketball – a team of lions, giraffes or chimpanzees? Who would swim the fastest – a tiger, a beaver or a crocodile? Who do you think could lift the heaviest weight – an elephant, gorilla or grizzly bear? You decide who wins the bronze, silver and gold medals! Readers are given simple, informative descriptions for ten sporting events. The unique skills each creature would bring to these events are described in a fun, yet factual, way.

• Teaches children about the attributes of various animal species using a fun parody of ten real sporting events.
• Fun for young readers who love animals and sports.
• Dynamic, with detailed, realistic illustrations.

The Author

Richard Turner is an author and Performing Arts teacher in Adelaide South Australia, who supports children’s creative voices through drama and dance. He has directed and choreographed musicals, working with students who can sing and dance way better than he can. Like most people, Richard has to be told to eat his peas, but never has to be told to eat his jellybeans or ice cream. He has been on a skateboard, a rollercoaster, an elephant and a camel. He has also been on a spaceship to the moon, but only in his dreams!

The Illustrator

Ben Clifford was born and raised in Tasmania, Australia. He began illustrating after living in a nice place with the cuckoos and sparrows in England. After returning home he began drawing, painting, illustrating and writing books. When he’s not drawing or writing stories, running through forests, climbing mountains or kayaking in rivers, he loves to swim at the beach and build sandcastles.

We are happy to announce that the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Children’s Book Council has invited Ben to write a blog post regarding his wonderful illustrations for The Wildlife Summer Games. You can read about Ben’s experience here: http://cbcatas.blogspot.com/2020/10/fun-and-games-at-olympics.html

Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Levels

Guided Reading Level: O

Grade Level Equivalent: 3

Educational Description

Picture book, Wildlife Games series, Life science context: behaviors and characteristics of animals, opening poem, ask and answer questions, predict outcomes, Structure: Olympic sporting events, non fiction narrative on animals, Comprehension strategies: predicting outcomes, compare and contrast, summarize. Themes: sports, animals.

Interest Age: 8 to 12 years

Reading Age: 8 to 9 years

RRP: HC: $16.95 · CAN: $22.95

ISBN: 978-1-76036-079-5

Format: Hardcover

JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Games

World rights available, except for Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US.