**** Environmental Awareness Made Fun! Review by: Rox Burkey
Author Maretha Botha creates a wonderful story to bring children closer to the earth. The whimsical tale of the life of insects and creatures in the garden provide a perfect backdrop to start ecology discussions with children.
One of her obvious skills in addition to her writing, are her illustrations. The lines and colors are fun. Studying these Evergreens kind and getting support against the enemy from the other creatures, is nature’s collaboration effort.
I adore the way Maretha makes the creature conversations so matter of fact. This passage below is a mere sampling of the cooperative story experience. I was right with the conversation between Smallum and Fluttery.
“‘Zom-m-m-bies? I’ve never heard of them! And who and what are they exactly? And you must tell me everything and why these Zombies invaded your home. And by the way, I need all the details – if you want my help.’
‘They’re not Zombies. They’re Zondies, and I didn’t ask for help. And another thing, how many ‘ands’ do you have in a single sentence? And how can a dainty butterfly help? And what makes you think I’m in need of help in the first place?’ he asked, copying the butterfly’s way of speaking, while slowly unwinding his nifty gadget wings. As soon as they were ready, he flew off, whizzing about before landing on the same daisy bush next to his new friend.”
This is a story I highly recommend for children, but also for anyone who benefits from learning more about nature’s creatures. The interior graphics are lovely. It would be fun to have an accompanying coloring book for kids as a learning tool.
About the Author:
Author/Illustrator Maretha Botha admits to being addicted to black coffee and chocolate. She and her family love the outdoors and hike on the moors whenever possible.
Gardening and bird watching are favourite past-times. She has written and illustrated a series of Middle Grade children’s books called “Fauna Park Tales”. Books 1-4 are available in Kindle as well as black and white illustrated paperbacks, approximately 20,000 words each.
She also writes poetry and short stories. One of her poems, “The Fisher Girl” appears in an anthology published by 4WillsPublishing, “Rave Soup For The Writer’s Soul” 2017/18 Edition.
FIND AND FOLLOW MARETHA BOTHA
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2 replies to "Saving The Evergreens"
Hi Rox,
Thanks for the review. To be quite honest, I enjoy reading about nature, and especially when it is written in a way that I can understand the book regardless of whether it is fiction or non-fiction. I think I will enjoy this book, and I have put it on my TBR list.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Hi Pat, I think it is that sort of book as well. It’s not just for kids. I like having fun too!