Outback Adventures

From SPARK

One-sentence summary

A book that tells many interesting facts about Australia while teaching something about the Christian life.

Description

Australia's “Outback” region is the dry center of this continent. It is one of the most exciting yet difficult places to live on earth. Its scenery and amazing animals show the greatness of God's creation.

The Australian author tells many interesting facts and teaches about God and our place in His world. Those chapters have these titles:

• Australia
• Outback Cattle Stations
• The Sheep Run
• The Rabbit-proof fence
• Wheat

Two stories describe native animals.

• Big Red – kangaroo
• Big Bird – emu

Other chapter titles include the following:

• Australian Aborigines
• The Flying Doctor
• Radio School
• The Swagman
• The Postman
• Droughts and Famine
• Lake Eyre
• Uluru and Bald Rock

The final two pages contain a test of what has been learned (Outback Quiz), (a test of what has been a map of Australia, and answers to the quiz.

Each story includes at least one Scripture verse. That Scripture is applied to both the story and Christian life. Some of the black and white sketches show just parts of animals, objects, or people. These would be difficult for non-picture literate people to understand.

Considerations

• Use as an historical introduction for primary students in mission schools or any school where Christian education is included in their curriculum.
• When used in countries that are neighbors of Australia, some chapters will need editing. The material is not culturally appropriate for these countries. One example is the chapter about droughts and famine. This chapter talks about children who live in a western society. Other details of their lifestyle will not be understood.
• Some of the stories will need more explanations.

Limitations

Guidelines for Use

• Use as an introductory curriculum in geography classes combined with Christian instruction. Upper primary students should be the target group.
• This book might be very useful translated into the languages of Papua New Guinea since Australia is such a close neighbor with close political ties.
• It might also be useful for the people of East Timor, Irian Jaya, and other parts of Indonesia to use in Christian schools.
• The book would be useful on audio cassette or CD.
• It could also be used on radio programs.

Where to Obtain

Link to Producer or Source Organization

Christian Focus Publications Ltd

Cost

{{{Cost }}}

Producer/Owners

Author/Artist/Producer

Author: Jim Cromarty

Illustrator: Fred Apps

Current copyright owner

Christian Focus Publications Ltd

Other Information

If you are interested in translating these stories into a minority language, contact Christian Focus Publications Ltd. Working together you will make a Creative Commons License agreement.

Reviewed by

Vida, VMS Children's Resource Coordinator

Date

January 25, 2008