Delightful book for youngsters introduces
the Hadeda. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Hagedash
the Hadeda, written by Charles de Villiers and illustrated
by Claire Norden, is a delightful book for youngsters introducing the fascinating
hadeda ibis (Bostrychia
hagedash).
The large and ungainly hadeda with its iridescent
wings that change colour according to how they catch the light, is found in Sub-Saharan
Africa frequenting most grassy areas or parks.
Many gardens – like mine – play host
to their visits when they arrive with a large flurry of wings and proceed to flap
about, pecking for grubs, frolicking on the swimming pool steps and generally
letting forth their raucous calls which, according to the volume, appear to be aimed
at another bird in a different neighbourhood!
Charles de Villiers’s text will delight
young and active minds as it is written in humorous verse. This is an interesting
aspect of someone who is a published science writer and works in computer
systems design.
Claire Norden has a proven track record in
illustrating children's books and her clear drawings of the bird make it easily
recognisable. The front cover features Hagedash in full cry, with a little mole
covering its ears against the racket and a butterfly zooming away at speed!
While weaving the story around a female
hadeda who eventually finds a mate and produces chicks, important information
is given on the habits of this species, how and where they make their nests.
Young readers will soon be imitating the
bird’s call as the book describes it - “Ha-Ha-Ha-De-Da”! The book comes with a
full page of stickers to encourage further engagement with the story.
Hagedash
the Hadeda is published by Struik Nature in
softcover. ISBN: 9781775841814 Recommended Retail Price R80. – Caroline Smart
The book is also available in Afrikaans as Hagedash die Hadeda ISBN 9781775841906
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