224 Animals to learn: Imagine book by Alison Lester

Looking for a great gift book with a beautiful story and illustrations and 224 animals to learn? Enjoy discovering the animal world with Imagine by Alison Lester. 
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There is a beautiful hardcover edition of Alison Lester’s Australian children’s classic Imagine, as well as a paperback picture book which was a firm favorite in our family. Penned and illustrated by Australian author Alison Lester, they are based on the imaginative play of two children and their travels to different parts of the world. By utilising various objects and toys around the house, the children create exciting adventures with their animals. Through the intricate pictures, this is a vivid introduction to imagining what life would be like in these diverse habitats with all the animals they encounter along the way. 

Lester’s clever text accompanies delightful illustrations of the children’s play in different locations around the house and yard, representing each new habitat they create with their animals. Following each new creation in the children’s story is a colorful double page spread with creature-crammed illustrations of a plethora of animals from that habitat. While the children build a snowman in the land of ice, Lester creates an animal colony on an icecap. The children encounter a prehistoric swamp full of dinosaurs and can also be found in other various locations such as the jungle, the ocean, the African plains, on a farm, or in the moonlit bush in Australia. 

The intricately detailed pictures represent between 24 and 48 different animals to seek and find on each double page spread, making a total of 224 animals to discover throughout the whole book. You will learn the name of each one as you revisit the pages over and over again with your children. This picture book never grew old in our house. There is no minimum age for this one and it is a wonderful introduction to the animal world for young imaginations. 

Lester became the first Australian children’s book laureate in 2012-2013, promoting the value and joy of reading to Australia’s children and children internationally. She is a prolific writer of much-loved picture books and juvenile fiction, depicting everyday life and the imaginary worlds of children. Imagine was commended for the Ashton Scholastic Award for the Best Designed Children’s Book of 1989 (Australia). Lester’s award-winning children’s books depict her own country childhood and she was awarded the Dromkeen medal for her contribution to children’s literature. She still lives today in the Victorian countryside. 

Ignite a sense of wonder in your children as you enjoy reading and gifting this beautiful book, Imagine.

Here is a beautiful coloring book companion to your Alison Lester favorites:
Alison Lester's Wonderful World
$19.21

Coloring Book Companion

Alison Lester's affectionate illustrations of birds, animals, plants and people celebrate the wonderful world around us. She gives tips on how to draw, encouraging children to try different techniques and to keep on drawing, every day! Pick up your pencils, pens and crayons, and color the pictures from the stories you've enjoyed over the years—Magic BeachNoni the Pony, and more.

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11/12/2025 03:18 am GMT

More Alison Lester Favourites

Are We There Yet? Alison Lester
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Gift this classic iconic picture book to those you love. Join Grace and her family as they hit the road camping, experiencing, and meeting all the people and places that make up Australia.

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11/12/2025 06:04 am GMT
My Farm
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30th Anniversary Edition

Alison Lester grew up on a farm by the sea. This is her story of a memorable year, the year of the palomino pony, told with child-like mischief and humour. Affectionate, funny and full of adventure, My Farm paints a vivid picture of a child's life on the farm.

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11/11/2025 01:29 pm GMT
Magic Beach
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30th Anniversary Edition

Imagine a beach where you can swim, surf, splash through the waves, make sandcastles, hunt for treasure, explore rock-pools, muck about in boats, fish from the jetty, and build a bonfire under the stars. Come to Magic Beach, where adventure begins...

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11/11/2025 01:25 pm GMT
Magic Beach
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Horse Crazy!
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The Complete Adventures of Bonnie and Sam

All 4 Bonnie & Sam books in one volume! Bonnie and Sam are best friends. No one loves horses the way they do. When Bonnie whispers to them, they understand, and Sam always knows if they need a drink, or a hug, or a race around the paddock. Come along with Bonnie and Sam in four fabulous adventures.

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11/12/2025 12:02 pm GMT

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