Rufus the Numbat

Rufus the Numbat walks out of the bush at the front of the book back into the bush at the end of the book. Rufus does not care for things of the town like cappuccinos or cream cake, or for the town and its parade and noise. But on his way Rufus startles a cyclist and later a Chinese Dragon creating all sorts of mayhem.

David Miller’s minimalist text contrasts with his detailed paper sculptures set over pen and ink backgrounds.

Reversing the typical roles of humans and animals, David Miller’s imaginative tale challenges us to wonder what would happen if animals infringed on the lives of humans. This lively picture book introduces young readers to the fragile relationship between humans and animals, as well as strong themes about respecting animal habitats and behaviours, the effect of humans encroaching on the habitats of our native animals and the place of animals in our ever-expanding built world.