<P class=keyNote><B>Arresting and beautiful, this picture book is a shimmering encounter with the Tasmanian tiger, a lament for a lost species, and a compelling evocation of the place of animals in nature</B></P><P>Celebrating the Australian landscape, this book interposes arresting text, images of the last known thylacine in a concrete cage, and sweeping color paintings of the animal in its natural environment. Two picture book masters use sparse text and powerful images to confront environmental issues, in a unique, heartbreaking way. Intense, poetic, and beautiful, it will haunt readers.