Delightful publication for youngsters deals
with an African Grey and his friend, Belinda the Bee. (Review by Caroline
Smart)
Author Susan Long and illustrator Claire
Norden have come up with a delightful publication for youngsters with A Scarlet Tail telling the story of an
African Grey Parrot and his friend, the bee.
The story is told in enchanting and
refreshing rhyming verse as we learn about Nebuchadnezzar the Third (the
parrot) who loves major aerial frolics. He has “a look in his eyes that might well
speak of mischief or daring new deeds” and Belinda (the bee) whose “serious and
responsible task” is to spread nectar. They live in the deep jungles of Africa
and the book tells how they spend their days in their various activities before
indulging in a game of chess and snuggling up together for the night in a
comfortable tree.
Here are a few examples of the text:
Nebuchadnezzar:
Ah
that bright flash of scarlet, a wonderful sight –
All
those greys touched with red, a designer’s delight,
His
environment too is a treat to behold;
Up
above there’s blue sky and a sun of pure gold
To
young Nebuchadnezzar it’s home and it’s fine;
Just
the place for a parrot, all trees, the odd vine
Where
most splendid seeds, buds and berries all grow
In a
garden he need neither sow, hoe nor mow.
There
he dwells in his jungle, no costs are incurred
In
the lifestyle of Nebuchadnezzar the Third
Belinda:
And
her name is Belinda, she’s smart and she’s cute;
Somewhat
glossy, in yellow and black – a zoot suit
For a
bee that is busy among bloom and flower
As
she gathers the nectar and spreads hour by hour,
All
the pollen that needs to be taken with care
Between
different plants that she knows around there.
A
Scarlet Tail is a good introduction to African
Greys (we are owned by one ourselves!) and author Susan Long has perfectly captured
the temperament and impish nature of these birds. Based in Durban, Claire
Norden is a graphic designer who specialises in children’s book illustrations. Her
work in this book is skilful, quirky and endearing.
This is a beautiful gift for any child –
self-reading for early readers and a perfect book to read to children whose
imagination will respond to the delightful tale.
A
Scarlet Tail is published by Struik Nature in
softcover ISBN: 9781920572761. Recommended Retail price: R75. – Caroline Smart
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