In the land down under, so far away
Live many animals, big and small, come and play
We have kangaroos and wallabies, hopping with glee
And koalas sleeping high up in the tree

But let me tell you about a special one
A creature that's small, but oh so fun
A bilby is its name, cute as can be
With big ears and a long, pointy nose to see

It lives in a burrow, just like a rabbit
And when it wants to move, it hops and dabbit!
Its pouch is small, just like a pocket
But it's where it carries its young, a baby to rock it

Now kangaroos have pouches too
Where their joeys rest, safe and true
And wallabies, those bouncy fellows
Have pouches just like their kangaroo fellows

So next time you visit the land of Oz
Look for these animals, and give them applause
From bilbies to kangaroos, they all have a story
And learning about them is really quite glorious!

Reflections

1. What is a bilby, and how is it different from other Australian animals?
2. Why do kangaroos, wallabies, and bilbies have pouches, and what do they use them for?
3. What is special about koalas, and how do they spend their time in the trees?
4. Have you ever seen any of these animals in person, or do you know anyone who has?
5. What other kinds of animals do you think might live in the Australian outback, and why?