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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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A Classic Car in Canary Yellow (Part 1): 1961 MGA 1600 MK1 (#26)
The moment I saw the canary yellow 1961 MGA 1600 MK1, I knew it was more than a car. In 1973, I acquired this timeless classic for a mere...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 6, 20242 min read
Wild Wonders: A boy’s journey into nature (#25)
Imagine a book that doesn’t dazzle with colors or fantastical creatures yet has the power to shape a young mind’s future. This is the...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 5, 20242 min read
Nuns in a Scrum: Plaster, Prokofiev & (War and) Peace (#24)
Imagine stepping into the grandeur of the newly constructed Sydney Opera House, dressed to the nines, but hindered by a full-length...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 5, 20242 min read
The Ripple Effect of Teaching (Part 2): Insights from “If Wishes Were Horses” (#23)
How can the rigor of a final examination mirror the complexities of life? "If Wishes Were Horses" by Loretta Gage and Nancy Gage...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 4, 20242 min read
The Ripple Effect of Teaching (Part 1): Insights from “If Wishes Were Horses” (#22)
Imagine a world where your teachings not only guide the next generation of veterinarians but return to you in the form of mention in a...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 4, 20242 min read
Tales from the Wild Side: My favorite “animal authors” (#21)
From the rolling hills of Yorkshire to the lush landscapes of Corfu, and from war-torn London to a volatile Los Angeles, journey through...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 4, 20242 min read
A Day with Siegfried Farnon: The art of casting cattle (#20)
One brisk morning in 1976, as the dew was still settling on the sprawling fields of a picturesque Yorkshire farm, I had the unique...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 3, 20242 min read
A Royal Encounter: Examining the King’s dog (#19)
This is the story of a personal interaction with a monarch known for his deep affection for animals. In 2004, my colleague Joe and I had...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 3, 20243 min read
Celebrating Compassion: A King and his beloved stray dog (#18)
In 2004, my friend Joe and I met His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. This encounter left an indelible mark on my...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 3, 20243 min read
Steam Engines and Schoolchildren: The Journey to Dunedoo (#17)
Imagine a time when the journey was as thrilling as the destination A train powered by steam, filled with the laughter of schoolchildren...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 2, 20242 min read
Discovering Havana: A Journey Through Time (#15)
Havana in 2011 was a city that felt like a time capsule, unyielding to the modern winds sweeping across the globe. It was a place where...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 1, 20242 min read
Lost in Translation: Veterinary lectures in Japan (#14)
In the summer of 1988, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Japan for the first time. A land steeped in ancient culture and modern...
Rick LeCouteur
Jul 31, 20242 min read
Around the World with Hei Hei: A grandparent's tale of magical deception (#13)
In the spirit of creating magical memories and sparking the imagination of my granddaughter, I embarked on a playful journey with none...
Rick LeCouteur
Jul 31, 20242 min read
Hopping to Success: The untold story of Beatrix Potter's publishing journey (#12)
Imagine a world where one of the most beloved children's characters might never have hopped off the page into the hearts of millions....
Rick LeCouteur
Jul 31, 20242 min read
Surviving Our Youth: A reckless leap at Elora Quarry (#10)
Standing at the precipice of Elora Quarry’s infamous 40-foot cliff, the wind whispered warnings that we were too young and foolish to...
Rick LeCouteur
Jul 30, 20242 min read
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