The reader is first discouraged from seeing a kangaroo in the wild because kangaroos have enormous razor-sharp claws that can easily slice through a person’s skin. Then a young boy is shown on an airplane heading for Australia. He hops into a taxi and goes to a park where wild kangaroos live. He sees boomers (males), flyers (females), and joeys (babies). It is mating season and two boomers are involved in a violent fight. A boomer balances himself on his tail and kicks his opponent with both legs, resulting in a large bloody gash in the rival’s stomach. The taxi continues on to the outback where the boy can see kangaroos licking themselves to cool down. Next, the boy visits a wildlife sanctuary. Here the kangaroos are tame. He can pet and feed them. The illustrations, in mostly pastel shades, are realistic enough to help the reader imagine the events, but not as gory as photographs would be. This short, 24-page, book delivers a mixed message. The reader is discouraged from meeting kangaroos and then taken to see them. Includes a map showing where kangaroos live, a glossary, a bibliography, and a list of websites. Part of the “Do You Really Want to Meet…” series. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.; Ages 6 to 9.
