Grub

Grub, written and illustrated by Sandra Severgnini (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922539267

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question, ‘What will I become?’ as he senses that his body will be changing. To answer his question, he approaches some of his forest friends – such as the ladybird, butterfly, cicada, and more, asking for an answer. Each of the insects reply in the negative when the grub asks if he will become like them. The cicada, for instance, pauses mid-song and says, ‘No, as a nymph I had impressive front legs.’ After each answer, the grub ‘ate and he ate, and he grew and grew.’

Finally, Grub knew it was time. ‘He built himself a protective shell out of his droppings and fell asleep, wondering.’ One day, following the rain when ‘the forest fruits flourished and fell’, he breaks out of his shell into the bright daylight. He is no longer a grub, but a Hercules Beetle. (The final spread is of an illustration of the beetle which stretches across the double pages to show his massive size.)

It is not only the grub’s journey from one stage (grub) to another (beetle), but each of the insects who Grub meets explains its metamorphosis, so this book provides the young reader with useful biological information. The illustrations, too, are excellent in that they show the flora and fauna of a rainforest and its insects. On the front fly pages all kids of grubs, beetles, and other insects are shown in their early life cycle: the final fly pages show them as their adult selves after metamorphosis.

The illustrations are realistic and beautiful. One can almost ‘smell’ the forest odours. The trees, ferns, and bushes are faithfully rendered as are the timbers, grasses, fungi, and other ground coverings. There is a particularly attractive page showing the forest flowers, which include orchids and fly catchers. Every page invites the reader to examine it for deft touches (such as wandering ants, dewdrops, and underwater leaves – and boots!)

After the final reveal of the Hercules Beetle are five facts – such as the beetle is among the largest of the Rhinoceros Beetles, with males growing up to 19 centimetres long (71/2 inches).

This is an excellent non-fiction picture book ideal for young nature lovers aged 5 years and old.

Grub

Grub, written and illustrated by Sandra Severgnini (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922539267

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question, ‘What will I become?’ as he senses that his body will soon be changing. To answer his question, he approaches some of his forest friends – such as the ladybird, butterfly, cicada, and more, asking for an answer. Each of the insects reply in the negative when the grub asks if he will become like them. The cicada, for instance, pauses mid-song and says, ‘No, as a nymph I had impressive front legs.’ After each answer, the grub ‘ate and he ate, and he grew and grew.’

Finally, Grub knows it is time. ‘He built himself a protective shell out of his droppings and fell asleep, wondering.’ One day, following the rain when ‘the forest fruits flourished and fell’, he breaks out of his shell into the bright daylight. He is no longer a grub, but a Hercules Beetle. (The final spread is of an illustration of the beetle which stretches across the double pages to show his massive size.)

It is not only the grub’s journey from one stage (grub) to another (beetle), but each of the insects who Grub meets explains its metamorphosis, so this book provides the young reader with useful biological information. The illustrations, too, are excellent in that they show the flora and fauna of a rainforest and its insects. On the front fly pages all kinds of grubs, beetles, and other insects are shown in their early life cycle: the final fly pages show them as their adult selves after metamorphosis.

The illustrations are realistic and beautiful. One can almost ‘smell’ the forest odours. The trees, ferns, and bushes are faithfully rendered as are the timbers, grasses, fungi, and other ground coverings. There is a particularly attractive page showing the forest flowers, which include orchids and fly catchers. Every page invites the reader to examine it for deft touches (such as wandering ants, dewdrops, and underwater leaves – and an abandoned boot!)

After the final reveal of the Hercules Beetle are five facts – such as the beetle is among the largest of the Rhinoceros Beetles, with males growing up to 19 centimetres long (71/2 inches).

This is an excellent non-fiction picture book ideal for young nature lovers aged 5 years and old.

 

Where’s Lucky?

Where’s Lucky? by Jacqui Halpin & illustrated by Sandra Severgnini

(Little Pink Dog Book) PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-0-6482563-3-5

Review by Wendy Haynes

Where’s Lucky is a story about a joey who was rescued when his mother was hit by a car and he was still in the pouch. It’s also about

Theresa and Tony and how together they nurture kangaroos back to health and finally say goodbye, sending them back to their natural habitat.

In the story we follow Lucky how at first, he snuggles into a wad of blankets, he is scared. But with lots of hugs from Theresa and Tony Lucky soon makes himself at home.

Lucky isn’t the only kangaroo who is cared for by Our Haven Wildlife Shelter and this story is a reminded of how vulnerable our wildlife is. And how we can make a difference to the native wildlife in our own community.

The story is for 4-7-year olds, and the author Jacqui Halpin has woven a fun story with a strong message. And educating children in being kind to animals is a big takeaway in this book. The colourful illustrations by Sandra Severgnini show the reader what it’s like in the rescue shelter along with Lucky’s curiosity where he is found in all sorts of places.

In the shadow of an Elephant

In the shadow of an Elephant by Georgie Donaghey &, illustrated by Sandra Severgnini (Little Pink Dog Books) PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-0-6-482563-1-1

Review by Wendy Haynes

Georgie Donaghey has delivered a moving story that explores love, loss, friendship, and trust. Though this story is for five to six year olds, it could be used as an aid in middle primary when dealing with the sensitive issues of life and death.

The story takes you to the African Savannah where Lualani a baby elephant is ripped away from her mother’s side one dark night. Poachers scare the herd leaving Lualani calling for her mother. It informs those new to reading about the harshness of life in a gentle way.

Lualani is frightened and extremely sad, but she is not alone for long. A boy Jabari and his Papa find her, and through, empathy, understanding, patience, and perseverance earn the trust of Lualani. A strong friendship forms and both Jabari and Lualani over many years learn from each other.

The story brings you full circle when Jabari’s papa passes, and now Lualani is the one to help Jabari through his saddest moments.

The story is added to with the delightful artwork by Sandra Severgnini showing the reader the beauty of Africa and evoking the nature of the emotions that are felt throughout the story.