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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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Bonds That Endure: A friendship rekindled (#109)
Friendship is a powerful bond, built on shared experiences, mutual understanding, and sometimes, the trials of life. Some friendships...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 12, 20242 min read
The Context of Time: Navigating change and continuity (#108)
Time is one of the most elusive yet omnipresent forces shaping our lives. Time is the backdrop against which all stories unfold - both...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 11, 20243 min read
The Iconic Akubra: A hat for every generation (#107)
When you think of Australia, certain images come to mind: the rugged Outback, kangaroos, and the iconic Akubra hat. Every April on...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 11, 20243 min read
Jizz vs. Gestalt: Decoding the subtle art of bird identification (#106)
In the world of birdwatching and ornithology, identifying a bird is rarely just about analyzing a list of specific features like size,...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 11, 20243 min read
Five Years to Save the Planet: Call to action (#105)
In the next five years, the fate of every living creature on Earth could be sealed. As wildlife populations plummet and ecosystems teeter...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 10, 20243 min read
Leather and Legacy: The story of a shoe repair specialist in Sydney (#104)
Robert at his work bench. In an age where disposable fashion reigns supreme, it’s rare to come across a craftsman who not only repairs...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 9, 20243 min read
Starting Older: Redefining retirement for today’s world (#103)
What if retirement wasn’t the end, but the beginning of something entirely new? As people live longer, healthier, and more active...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 6, 20246 min read
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
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
The Truth Behind Airline Flight Cancellations: Why "technical issues" and "safety considerations" often mask crew shortages! (#100)
I wrote this last night after cancellation of a flight to Sydney due to "technical issues" and "safety considerations." I was OK - until...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 5, 20243 min read
Do Animals Think? Science says “Yes” (#99)
For centuries, humans have formed deep connections with animals - whether through pets, farm animals, or encounters in the wild. Many...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 4, 20243 min read
Melbourne: Closer to Antarctica than to Darwin (#98)
Did you know that Melbourne is geographically closer to the icy plains of Antarctica than the tropical heat of Darwin? It’s a...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 3, 20243 min read
The Power of Optimism: A path to longevity and better health (#97)
What if expecting positive outcomes in the future could protect you from illness, encourage healthier habits, and even help you live...
Rick LeCouteur
Oct 2, 20243 min read
Early Depictions of Australia's Wildlife: A lesson in misunderstanding (#96)
When Europeans first arrived in Australia in the late 18th century, they encountered a land full of exotic animals that were unlike...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 29, 20243 min read
Makaroff’s Classroom: Where fear turned into fluency (#95)
Everyone has at least one teacher who leaves a lasting mark on their life . In my case, that mark came with a fair dose of fear . Meet...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 29, 20242 min read
From Sweetheart to Springtime: The origins of 'Bunny’ (#94)
Whether it’s the playful Easter Bunny, the adventurous Peter Rabbit, or the mischievous Bugs Bunny, the word "bunny"instantly suggests...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 29, 20242 min read
The Colugo: Borneo’s mysterious gliding marvel (#93)
Dive into the shadowy canopies of Southeast Asia's lush rainforests where the colugo, often mistaken for a flying lemur, performs its...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 28, 20243 min read
Weather Giants: Unraveling hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, monsoons and tornadoes (#92)
When the skies darken and the winds roar, the world’s most powerful storms come to life. But do you know the difference between a...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 28, 20243 min read
Lessons & Legacies: “It’s about the people, stupid!” (#91)
We often measure life by milestones - achievements, possessions, and accolades. But as the years pass, it’s not the trophies on the shelf...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 27, 20244 min read
Wallace's Line: Nature’s invisible divide (#90)
In the heart of Southeast Asia lies an invisible boundary that has fascinated scientists and naturalists for over a century. Known as the...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 26, 20243 min read
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