QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO by Sy Montgomery

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: an Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, written by Sy Montgomery and photographs by Mic Bishop, is a photo essay book telling about a scientist's journey in to the forest in search of a rare tree kangaroo.  "It looks like a bear, but it isn't one.  It climbs trees as easily as a monkey -- but it isn't a monkey" (Montgomery 2006).  A scientist, Lisa Dabek, has been searching for the tree kangaroo and cannot wait to see this rare animal up close.  Sy Montgomery takes us on Lisa's journey, and through the text the reader feels as though they are in the forest of New Guinea with the scientist.  To reach the remote utopia, they must climb steep mountains, cross shaky bridges, and fight off swarms of bugs and leeches.  To the scientist searching for the tree kangaroo, it is all worth the expedition once they reach the "cloud forest".  With her team working together, they accomplish their goal and find new information that will help the quest to save the rare tree kangaroo. 

Montgomery, Sy. Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: an Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea. photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. ISBN 0618496416


The photographer, Nic Bishop, teams up with the scientists and Sy Montgomery to capture the story that is recounted throughout the text of the book.  Bishop's exquisite photographs depict the tree kangaroo's magical habitat.  Close-ups of animals, birds, and foliage show the reader the beauty of the Earth, as well as the hard working scientists from around the world working together for a common goal.  Each page holds a full color photograph recounting the story that Montgomery shares.

photo by Nic Bishop

One of the most fascinating aspects of this photo essay is that the author takes the journey alongside the scientists and records the story, making this a very accurate informational text.  Montgomery includes websites that the reader can search to find zoos in the U.S that have a tree kangaroo you can visit.  Also included are sources to find out more information about the tree kangaroo.  

The book is organized in sequence, beginning with background information of the scientist, Lisa Dabek, and moving along to the journey.  Each page has a story to tell, along with astounding photographs that show every step of the quest.  Subheadings are in bold and stand-out colors to distinguish the subject of sections.  This informational book reveals the author's passion for her subject and tells an inspiring message for young scientists.  After reading this book, children will be anxious to learn more about the tree kangaroo and other animals living in the cloud forest.

Awards 

Sibert Honor 2007

John Burrows Young Reader Award

Orbis Picture Award for nonfiction

Booklist Editor's Choice 2006

Henry Burgh Children's Book Award

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 2006

Junior Library Guild Selection

Reviews for Quest for the Tree Kangaroo

"A treat, even for arachnophobes."  ~School Library Journal

"Another stellar excursion into the world of working scientists." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"The excitement of science in action fills the pages of this book." ~ School Library Journal

"Excellent and imaginative." ~ The Bulletin

Other books by Sy Montgomery and photographed by Nic Bishop

The Tarantula Scientist. Houghton Mifflin, 2004.  ISBN: 06818915774

The Snake Scientist.  Houghton Mifflin, 1999.  ISBN:  0618111190

Classroom Activities and Connections

Students can choose another animal from the Cloud Forest they are interested in to research.

Your class can correspond with kids in Papua New Guinea by joining the International Bug Club network.  www.zoo.org

Have students write a journal for five days, such as the author did.  Then students can turn this into an interesting story.