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Rick LeCouteur
Inviting young readers to marvel at the wonder of nature's creatures
Rick's Blog
#bunyipsbooksbeyond
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RIck LeCouteur
Jan 273 min read
The Flightless Cormorant: A symbol of resilience in peril (#239)
Will your grandchildren be able to see a flightless cormorant in the wild? The Galápagos Islands are a place of wonder, a natural...
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RIck LeCouteur
Jan 193 min read
Changing the Narrative: Animals as more than metaphors in picture books (#234)
Children’s picture books have always been a gateway to exploring the natural world. Animals, as beloved characters, help children connect...
3 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 42 min read
Bonza Biodiversity Bonanza: Australia’s expanding protected areas (#216)
As the world grappled with its share of challenges in 2024, Australia quietly achieved some remarkable milestones in conservation. ...
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RIck LeCouteur
Jan 44 min read
A Lion's Silence: Forms of language and forms of life (#214)
The following famous assertion by Ludwig Wittgenstein encapsulates a profound philosophical conundrum about language, meaning, and the...
19 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 35 min read
Who Owns a View? Tree vandalism in Sydney (#213)
Tree vandalism is an issue that has quietly plagued Sydney for years, often unnoticed or ignored by the wider public. It’s a crime...
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RIck LeCouteur
Jan 23 min read
Blurring Species Lines: Connecting children to nature through picture books (#211)
The interconnectedness of all life forms has long been celebrated by Indigenous cultures worldwide, whose traditions honor the kinship...
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RIck LeCouteur
Jan 13 min read
Never Say Never, Always Avoid Always: Mantra for a children's picture book author (210)
As an aspiring children’s book author and illustrator striving to make my mark, I often think about the words we choose and the stories...
4 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 13 min read
Blue Ocean Opportunities: Exploring authenticity in children's picture books (#209)
A red-billed oxpecker and an African buffalo in a biodiverse savannah setting. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, innovation,...
2 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Dec 18, 20245 min read
From Veterinary Clinics to Storybooks: The power of anticonventional thinking
In a world that often emphasizes conformity and efficiency, creativity can sometimes feel stifled. Jeffrey Baumgartner’s book on...
35 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Dec 15, 20243 min read
Pet Food & Children's Picture Books: It's all about the brand
At first glance, pet food companies and children's picture book author/illustrators might seem worlds apart. One deals in kibble and...
17 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 27, 20244 min read
AI and the Written Word: Protecting authors in a digital era
Imagine a world where your carefully crafted stories fuel the creativity of AI, reaching audiences you never dreamed of - but at what...
7 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 24, 20244 min read
More Than Meets the Eye: How illustrations influence children’s reading
Ever wondered why some children’s books capture a child’s attention instantly while others are tossed aside after a quick glance? The...
9 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 14, 20242 min read
Toward a Compassionate Classroom: Inter-species learning and conviviality
Imagine a classroom where students learn not only about academics but also about their shared world with animals. This isn’t just a...
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RIck LeCouteur
Nov 3, 20244 min read
Let Kids Be Kids: Picture books can address gender stereotypes
During a classroom discussion about toys, a five-year-old named Janine made a simple yet powerful observation: “There’s no such thing as...
25 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Oct 29, 20243 min read
More Than Pets: The profound role of animals in kids' lives
From furry friends to feathered teachers, animals are more than just companions for children - they’re lifelong allies in building...
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RIck LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20242 min read
Don't Rush the Magic: The importance of picture books in early literacy (#100)
The trend of some parents skipping picture books and rushing to chapter books for their children has garnered mixed reactions. On the...
3 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20244 min read
Little Readers, Big Trends: What’s new in children’s picture books?
Children’s picture books hold a unique and cherished place in our culture, offering young readers their first glimpses into the wonders...
10 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Sep 29, 20242 min read
From Sweetheart to Springtime: The origins of 'Bunny’
Whether it’s the playful Easter Bunny, the adventurous Peter Rabbit, or the mischievous Bugs Bunny, the word "bunny"instantly suggests...
8 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Sep 27, 20244 min read
Lessons & Legacies: “It’s about the people, stupid!”
We often measure life by milestones - achievements, possessions, and accolades. But as the years pass, it’s not the trophies on the shelf...
37 views0 comments
RIck LeCouteur
Sep 26, 20243 min read
From Bluey to Books: Gender roles in kids' stories
This picture shows Bluey and Bingo with two Australian white ibis who have joined their picnic lunch. It’s no wonder that these birds are...
15 views0 comments
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