Hatch

By Heidi Cooper Smith

Reviewed by Tyrion Perkins

Heidi Cooper Smith is a Brisbane based Illustrator and also author of her own picture books, Six Sleepy Mice, Too Many Ducks, Odd Sock Sid, and Secrets of the Seasons.

At first glance, Hatch appears to be a picture book about turtles, but when you open the cover, the end papers show seventeen different types of eggs with each unique colour and size. A gentle narration then takes the reader on a journey from beach to mangroves, over land to underground, and even up a tree. Birds, crustaceans, monotremes, insects, and more are all beautifully illustrated in double page spreads of their habitat. The words describe eleven of the animals either laying eggs or their hatchlings emerging. There is much detail, often with the previous animal swimming or crawling away. Plus, readers can play spot the extra six animals or their eggs.

At the end is further information of what an egg is and how it works, more facts on each animal, including clutch size (varying from 1 egg to 5 million) hatching time, and a glossary. The final end papers reveal the seventeen baby animals that came from the eggs at the front. Flipping back and forth helps you learn which eggs match which animals. As an adult who studied zoology and watched hundreds of nature documentaries, I still learnt new facts.

I am in love with the beauty, warmth, and detail of the illustrations in this book! Hatch can work as a picture book for bedtime with the long vowels and gentle rhythm, and also as a scientific resource to spark curiosity and interest and for school projects.

Teacher Notes

CSIRO Publishing 2025

Heidi Cooper Smith