Author(s): Peter Klein; Leon de Montignie (Illustrator)

Children's

This is the fourth book in the Mudpoo Adventure series where children and animals make clever environmental choices that adults, often blinded by greed, are unable to understand. Mudpoo and the Secret of the Rainforest makes an important statement in the climate change debate. It allows the reader to become pro-active by gaining knowledge of how to purchase 'Certified Sustainable Palm Oil' products and more! It makes strong connections to the Melbourne Zoo, orangutans and the 'Don't Palm Us Off' campaign where readers can get involved. The book is aimed at young readers in the 7-11 age group who are environmentally aware and want to make a difference. It raises awareness about the destruction of rainforests and the impact that we have in relation to purchasing products that contain non-certified palm oil. The story also refers to a 'secret recipe' which is made from a live endo-spore; 'bacillus amyloliquefaciens' which in 'real-life' is currently being set up as a research project by Prof. Peter Dart from Queensland University to determine if it will reduce the methane output from cows when added to their hay. If it works it will be a 'huge' breakthrough and can have an enormous impact to reduce methane emissions from cows in Australia and globally (if the University of QLD research is successful). It might also stop mould growing on hay and reduce hayshed fires. This book contains 'real' links to help solve 'Climate Change Issues' and allows the reader to become part of the solution. Overall my goal is to link a creative humorous light-hearted story using real issues and real locations with a powerful message and real science that allows the readers to be proactive to make their own choices to reduce their impact on 'climate change'. It will create discussions to engage, encourage and empower young people to do more research and allow them to find their own voice to make a difference for the future.