What is a Scribbly Gum? How do the scribbles get
there? This stylishly illustrated picture book in rhyme surprised me with the
answer.
Four kids are sprawled on the floor watching
television. They want to stay that way. But it’s family time and mum has chosen
a bush walk. Hats are on. Backpack is packed.
Alas, feet are dragging! They set
out after Mum who strides ahead.
Charlie wants to know who has drawn on the trees. They’ll be in big trouble if Mummy sees
that! He gets no answer.
Max encounters a trail of itchy grubs on a fallen
stump that leave a gooey trail. Charlie
asks about the art work on the trunks again. Silence reigns.
Flying Foxes hang upside down after working through
the night spreading seeds.
As the group treks on, the children discover Nature’s
gifts. White myrtle flowers, a Birdwing, a bush stone curlew and endless other
things in the undergrowth. But Charlie still wants an answer. Will he get one?
This is a delightful adventure that stimulates
awareness about the beauty to be found in Australia’s natural surroundings. It
encourages children to explore the outdoors and become environmentally friendly
while learning about the role and contribution of each living thing in the
world around them.
Award-winning writer Dannika Patterson teaches
sustainability and awareness of the environment to young children. This is her
second collaboration with author-illustrator Megan Forward. The highly
successful Jacaranda Magic was
Patterson’s debut picture book. She has two graphic novels due for release this
year.
Megan Forward is also the author of A Patch from Scratch, illustrator of All I Want for Christmas is Rain, by
Cori Brooke and Emily Green’s Garden by Penny Harrison.
Title:
Scribbly Gum Secrets
Author:
Dannika Patterson
Illustrator:
Megan Forward
Publisher:
FORD ST, $16.95
Publication
Date: April 2020
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9781925804485
For
ages: 6+
Type:
Picture Book
