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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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(Un)Real Animals: Anthropomorphism and the science of early learning (#288)
We’ve all seen it: a storybook lion wearing spectacles and sipping tea, or a talking squirrel with a backpack heading to school.  These...
RIck LeCouteur
Mar 284 min read
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More Than a Story: Branding in children's picture books (#276)
​Admiral William H. McRaven, renowned for his distinguished 37-year career as a U.S. Navy SEAL and leadership roles, including overseeing...
RIck LeCouteur
Mar 163 min read
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Failing Forward: A lesson, not a verdict (#263)
Failure is a universal experience, yet it remains one of the most feared aspects of life. Â We are conditioned to avoid it, to view it as...
RIck LeCouteur
Mar 43 min read
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The Flightless Cormorant: A symbol of resilience in peril (#241)
Will your grandchildren be able to see a flightless cormorant in the wild?  The Galápagos Islands are a place of wonder, a natural...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 273 min read
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Changing the Narrative: Animals as more than metaphors in picture books (#236)
Children’s picture books have always been a gateway to exploring the natural world. Animals, as beloved characters, help children connect...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 193 min read
11 views
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Bonza Biodiversity Bonanza: Australia’s expanding protected areas (#218)
As the world grappled with its share of challenges in 2024, Australia quietly achieved some remarkable milestones in conservation. Â ...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 42 min read
13 views
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A Lion's Silence: Forms of language and forms of life (#216)
The following famous assertion by Ludwig Wittgenstein encapsulates a profound philosophical conundrum about language, meaning, and the...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 44 min read
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Who Owns a View? Tree vandalism in Sydney (#215)
Tree vandalism is an issue that has quietly plagued Sydney for years, often unnoticed or ignored by the wider public. It’s a crime...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 35 min read
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Blurring Species Lines: Connecting children to nature through picture books (#213)
The interconnectedness of all life forms has long been celebrated by Indigenous cultures worldwide, whose traditions honor the kinship...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 23 min read
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Never Say Never, Always Avoid Always: Mantra for a children's picture book author (#212)
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...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 13 min read
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Blue Ocean Opportunities: Exploring authenticity in children's picture books (#211)
A red-billed oxpecker and an African buffalo in a biodiverse savannah setting. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, innovation,...
RIck LeCouteur
Jan 13 min read
7 views
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From Veterinary Clinics to Storybooks: The power of anticonventional thinking (#198)
In a world that often emphasizes conformity and efficiency, creativity can sometimes feel stifled.  Jeffrey Baumgartner’s book on...
RIck LeCouteur
Dec 18, 20245 min read
35 views
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Pet Food & Children's Picture Books:Â It's all about the brand (#191)
At first glance, pet food companies and children's picture book author/illustrators might seem worlds apart. One deals in kibble and...
RIck LeCouteur
Dec 15, 20243 min read
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AI and the Written Word: Protecting authors in a digital era (#161)
Imagine a world where your carefully crafted stories fuel the creativity of AI, reaching audiences you never dreamed of - but at what...
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 27, 20244 min read
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More Than Meets the Eye: How illustrations influence children’s reading (#155)
Ever wondered why some children’s books capture a child’s attention instantly while others are tossed aside after a quick glance? The...
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 24, 20244 min read
38 views
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Toward a Compassionate Classroom: Inter-species learning and conviviality (#136)
Imagine a classroom where students learn not only about academics but also about their shared world with animals.  This isn’t just a...
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 14, 20242 min read
12 views
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Let Kids Be Kids: Picture books can address gender stereotypes (#126)
During a classroom discussion about toys, a five-year-old named Janine made a simple yet powerful observation: “There’s no such thing as...
RIck LeCouteur
Nov 3, 20244 min read
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More Than Pets: The profound role of animals in kids' lives (#121)
From furry friends to feathered teachers, animals are more than just companions for children - they’re lifelong allies in building...
RIck LeCouteur
Oct 29, 20243 min read
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Don't Rush the Magic: The importance of picture books in early literacy (#102)
The trend of some parents skipping picture books and rushing to chapter books for their children has garnered mixed reactions. On the...
RIck LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20242 min read
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Little Readers, Big Trends: What’s new in children’s picture books? (#101)
Children’s picture books hold a unique and cherished place in our culture, offering young readers their first glimpses into the wonders...
RIck LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20244 min read
22 views
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