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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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Revisiting Blinky Bill: Examining a classic koala with a modern lens (#135)
When Dorothy Wall introduced Australia to Blinky Bill in 1933, the cheeky koala became an instant icon - a creature whose adventures...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 14, 20244 min read
Lucky Paws: The fascinating world of polydactyl cats (#134)
Ever noticed a cat with “thumbs” or extra toes and wondered what makes them so unique? These quirky felines, known as polydactyl or...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 12, 20244 min read
A Cat at Sea: The story of Flinders & Trim (#133)
Imagine setting sail on uncharted waters, facing storms, scarcity, and isolation with only the vast ocean around you. Now, imagine doing...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 12, 20243 min read
The Narcissistic Leader: Charisma or catastrophe? (#132)
In times of crisis, we look to our leaders for guidance, support, and reassurance. But what happens when those we trust to lead are more...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 10, 20243 min read
Beyond 150: Social boundaries defined by Dunbar’s number (#131)
Imagine scrolling through your social media feed, skimming updates from hundreds of "friends," yet realizing you feel close to only a...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 10, 20244 min read
Understanding Climate Change: Every degree matters (#129)
Imagine a world where intense heatwaves are the norm, rising seas swallow coastlines, and food shortages affect millions. This isn't...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 8, 20243 min read
Endurance Unveiled: Exploring the legacy of Shackleton's lost ship (#128)
Imagine a ship lost beneath unforgiving Antarctic ice for over a century. A vessel whose very name, Endurance, echoes the extraordinary...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 7, 20243 min read
Under the Sydney Opera House: Debunking viral misinformation (#127)
Recently, a social media post has been making rounds, claiming to reveal secret underground floors beneath the iconic Sydney Opera House....
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 4, 20244 min read
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
Bangkok Wake-Up Call: 15 Minutes from disaster! (#125)
Imagine flying halfway around the world to deliver a state-of-the-art lecture at a global veterinary congress, only to be jolted awake by...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 2, 20243 min read
Wildlife in the City: Red-tailed hawks and urban wildlife adaptation (#124)
What does it take for a wild hunter to survive in our urban jungle, and what can we do to help it thrive? This morning, glancing above...
Rick LeCouteur
Nov 1, 20243 min read
Murmurations: Nature's masterclass in teamwork and trust (#123)
Today, I watched a murmuration of starlings. It started me thinking. The mesmerizing dance of a murmuration - a vast flock of...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 30, 20243 min read
What's in a Name? Debunking common political mislabels (#122)
Ever find yourself scrolling through social media, only to see words like fascism, Marxism, and socialism thrown around as though they’re...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 29, 20244 min read
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
Echoes of Extinction: The urgent call to heal our planet (#120)
As we peer out over an ever-evolving landscape of environmental crises it becomes clear that the damage to our planet is no longer a...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 28, 20244 min read
Australia’s Unlikely Hero: How the white ibis tackles toxic toads (#119)
In Australia, few creatures are as notorious as the white ibis, or, as locals dub them, the "bin chicken." Known for its scavenging...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 28, 20243 min read
A Golden Milestone: Celebrating 50 Years with the Class of 1975 (#118)
As the dust settled on the rural roads of Wagga Wagga, a group of veterinarians gathered - not just to reminisce about the past, but to...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 23, 20243 min read
The Faded Grin: Revisiting the Bar-B-Grog T-Shirt (#117)
In 1974, a simple t-shirt became an unforgettable symbol of camaraderie, celebration, and a little bit of veterinary school mischief....
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 23, 20242 min read
Scaling Sydney: The heights of the Harbour Bridge (#116)
Imagine standing 440 feet (134 meters) above sea level, with the wind in your hair and the entire city of Sydney spread out beneath you -...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 15, 20243 min read
Tall Poppy Syndrome: The challenge of standing out in Australia (#115)
Imagine a world in which reaching for the stars isn't celebrated but criticized, where standing out from the crowd makes you a target...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 15, 20244 min read
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