The introduction to the reader is warm and welcoming as the young curator of a fictional museum welcomes you even though they are not quite open yet, but invites you to help them sort out an array of creatures as to which one is real or not.

Each opening double page features several members from each species with information that you have to work out is fact or fiction. The explanations and answers are on the following double pages.

Not only will they learn about the various species and many of their young, which are quite eye opening, but they will also learn the common names and Latin names. Find out where in the world they live, how long their lifespans are and some extraordinary things they do to survive.

In essence UnReal is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated, almost mini-encyclopaedia for children I learned a few things about species featured living in various places around the world both on land and in the sea - as it says in the book, 'in the deep'.

This book would make a terrific gift. It is a must read, perfect for the home and school library. It is a  keeper!

The author

Kate Simpson is a picture book author and bookworm who loves fact and fiction in equal measure. Raised on a diet of children's fiction, it was Kate's fascination with science that led her to her first career as a chemical engineer. Kate rediscovered her love of picture books after the birth of her children and now juggles a full-time job as an engineer with her writing work. Her books feature Australian history, science, curious kids and powerful women. Unreal is Kate's sixth children's book

The illustrator

Leila Rudge is an award-winning illustrator and picture book writer living on Newcastle (Awabakal Country). After completing an Illustration Degree at Bath Spa University in England, Leila headed to Australia in search of sunshine. She has written and illustrated over 15 children's books, including the CBCA Honour Book Gary and the CBCA short-listed Winston and the Indoor Cat. Leila's work is a mixture of watercolour and pencil, all hand-rendered onto big sheets of watercolour paper ready to be scanned into picture book page