Book excerpt: This book is about the adventures of a rabbit-eared bandicoot, also called a bilby. Bilbies are rare marsupials that live in the desert. They and many other rare species are endangered because of introduced animals such as rabbits, cats, and foxes. It is important that people learn about our native wildlife species so that they understand the importance of protecting them. This book was written with this in mind. In the author’s opinion, it is much more interesting to learn about animals by reading about their adventures than to read dry scientific information. This is a real-life story in the style of Watership Down, where the animals act as they would in nature. The Easter Bilby concept is not new, but this is an Easter Bilby story that stays true to the nature of these animals. Jirri does not wear a suit and speak English. There is an Easter connection, but it is woven into the story of an animal fighting to survive in a hostile environment. It is the story of the triumph of life in difficult circumstances and has a message of hope for all who read it. You and your children will learn about bilbies and many other rare and endangered species while enjoying the adventures of Jirri, a true Easter Bilby.