JULY & AUGUST 2019 | 65
- HUNGRY BIRDS OF AFRICA
by Haden Clendinning R80
I’ve always been fascinated by other
people’s ability to identify and name the
different types of species – be it birds,
animals or bugs – corrrectly. A dog is not
just a dog but a golden retriever, and
a bird is not just a bird but a bee-eater.
I realised that this knowledge was gained
because their parents took time to smell
the roses and watch the birds. If, like me,
you would love to see your kids be the kind
that finally call a bird by its real name – a
woodpecker or kingfisher – then this is the
book for you. The birds featured are the
ones you’ll most likely encounter in your
own garden, like the hadeda, guinea fowl,
dove and owl. You’ll discover when and
what they feed on and more. So, whether
you decide to go bird-watching as a special
trip or just out of your own window, this
book has something for all of you.
- WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT: LET’S
DISCOVER BUGS by Andrea Cascardi R180
One of my neighbours’ kids used to come to
my house to ask for mulberry leaves for his
silkworms. I didn’t get it – but my son made
me understand that there are kids who are
just into bugs and insects. This activity book
is for them! With more than 100 stickers,
the book teaches kids more about bugs
and also makes bugs seem less scary to
those who may not like them. Ants, spiders,
butterflies, crickets, worms and snails are
just some of the crawlies featured. Whether
the plan is to scour the house for critters or
venture out on a big bug hunt, this book
is teeming with information on where to
search, how to plan an excursion and more.
- ON THE FARM by Axel Scheffler R80
This novelty board book, about animals on
the farm, is ideal for little ones up to three
years of age. It’s interactive, so the kids can
join in the fun on the farm by pulling out the
sliders, jiggling the animals and making all
the different noises.
They can quack along with the ducks,
moo with the cows and neigh with the
horses. Children will love playing with this
bright and colourful book with its gentle
rhyming text as well as push, pull, slide and
turn mechanisms.
The book is beautifully illustrated by the
award-winning Axel Scheffler.
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These books will help you discover the entomologist
or ornithologist in your child and help you nurture
that budding adventurer, writes Pearl Rantsekeng
- EXPLORING THE SEASHORE IN SOUTHERN
AFRICA by Margo Branch R99
Want to know why some sea shells have
holes or what some of the strangest fish
are? Grab a copy, and you’ll find out about
the many treasures that lie along southern
Africa’s coastline.
Young adventurers will discover many
treasures as they learn about the beautiful
creatures that can be found beneath
the surface. They’ll be fascinated by the
activities the book suggests – perfect for
their next visit to the beach.
A companion volume to the
popular Exploring Fynbos, the book is
packed with interesting topics, “did you
know?” boxes and “things to do” panels.
- FROG AND THE BIRDSONG
by Max Velthuijs R150
This book is about death and the beauty of
life. Beautifully narrated, the story starts with
Frog approaching Pig as he’s busy picking
apples in the orchard. He takes Pig to
a nearby place where a bird is lying dead.
While there, they’re joined by other animals
who, like Pig and Frog, are unaware that
the bird is dead and assume it is sleeping.
It is only when Hare joins them and
explains that he is not asleep, but dead,
that they learn what dying is.
A perfect book to use to break the news
to your little ones about loss and the gift
of life. YB
