The Thylacine and the Time Machine

by Renee Treml

Violet is researching the Tasmanian Tiger for a school project when she is visited by the ghost of the last Thylacine, who takes her on an amazing trip in a time machine. A fascinating and funny graphic novel exploring the past and future of the most enigmatic extinct Australian native animal.

Buckle up! The time machine awaits!

Join twelve-year-old Violet, her dog Tassie and her new friend Thyla - the ghost of the last Tasmanian Tiger - on a wild ride to learn all about the legendary, elusive and extinct thylacine.

Could there still be hope for one of Australia's most missed (and misunderstood) native animals?

Packed full of fascinating facts about the terrible past and (potentially) exciting future of the Tassie Tiger.

'Perfect for readers who love animals and animal facts.' - Remy Lai

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

American-born Renée Treml moved to Australia in 2007, where she was immediately captivated by the unique wildlife in this country. Drawing on her background in ecology, Renee’s began writing stories and creating illustrations that focused on animals and the environment.

Renee works in her Surf Coast studio and is available for school, festival and library visits both in person and virtually. She has written and illustrated several picture books including award-winning Once I Heard a Little Wombat, and Wombat Big, Puggle Small, which was recently read on ABC’s Play School. She is also the creator of the hilarious graphic novels featuring Sherlock Bones.

In addition to books, Renée’s illustrations are featured on a range of stationery, ceramics and homewares available from Kim Wallace Ceramics, Urban Products, Rodriquez Tea Towels, and La La Land.

Reviews

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up! The time machine awaits!
Join twelve-year-old Violet, her dog Tassie and her new friend Thyla - the ghost of the last Tasmanian Tiger - on a wild ride to learn all about the legendary, elusive and extinct thylacine. Could there still be hope for one of Australia's most missed (and misunderstood) native animals?

This graphic novel was super educational and fun! If all school textbooks could be written in this format, everyone would be more willing to study all the time!

I actually knew nothing about thylacine, so I learned a lot from this book. Hopefully our future generations will be able to see thylacines in the wild again, if the de-extinction project is successful.

(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating way to present information. The author has taken a topic (the de-extinction of the thylacine project) and used it as the basis for a fictional graphic novel, jam packed with factual information. I think this book will appeal to fiction and non-fiction lovers alike.

I found out lots of new information about the thylacine and about the de-extinction project itself.

I loved little nods throughout - e.g. the reality of kids leaving an assignment to the last minute and the inclusion of the cover of The Dream of the Thylacine, a classic book that many readers will recognise.

It would be interesting to see what other topics could be explored in a similar way, turning this into a series.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently learnt that Renée Tremel has a background in ecology and a deep fascination with Aussie wildlife. This is evident in her latest book, which is fun, fact filled graphic novel about what might happen if scientists were able to use de-extinction techniques to bring back the thylacine.

As an adult in my late thirties, I learnt so much from this book, admittedly things I should know more about but haven’t invested time in. It has reminded me how much I enjoy narrative non-fiction graphic novels!

Recommended for 8yrs+ especially for kids who are interested in animals, ecology, and science! This would also be a great text to unpack in a classroom or library.

[Dianne Wolfer]

What a terrific blend of science and fiction :-)

[Tamsin Ramone · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old recommended this book to me and I learnt so much from it! Super cool! Who knew dingos were introduced!