These are the books that our Books Editor received recently. They may be reviewed later
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The African Penguin Series
by Lulu and Tee
Two mothers from Kommetjie in the Western Cape have embarked on a remarkable journey – utilising their knowledge and talent to educate and entertain children, while raising funds for wildlife conservation in South Africa at the same time.
Linda Fellowes (aka Lulu) and Theresa Acker (aka Tee) say on their website, they aim to make their books “fun and educational with a touch of magic”.
I received six books – all a combination of quirky poetry, photographs from around the Cape, illustrations, important facts and useful information.
All the photographs in the books have been taken by Lulu in and around Cape Town – from the aquarium to Boulders Beach, and Robben Island to Cape Point.
“We have tried to make the pictures as real as possible, incorporating the fauna and flora of the Cape Peninsula. Children really enjoy seeing places, creatures and things that they know/recognise,” the moms say.
As an illustrator and graphic designer with years of experience in the print and advertising industry, Tee has made her mark in the design of books and many of SA’s leading greeting cards. She also creates a range of art using etched metal that she supplies to décor shops and galleries.
Lulu has a passion for the sea, travel and photography. She volunteered at a shelter for penguins – cleaning, feeding and tagging them. She’s also an avid whale-spotter.
Combining their talents and strengths these women have produced an amazing series of books aimed at young readers. Not only do they tell stories of creatures like Great White Sharks, rhinos, baboons and even Western Leopard Toads, they also use the knowledge of experts to educate readers about the roles of these creatures in the natural world, explaining in accessible language why these animals are misunderstood or endangered, and what we can do to ensure their survival in nature.
And to top it all off, a portion of the funds from the sale of each book will go towards the conservation efforts of various environmental bodies in SA.
I was extremely excited to receive these books. I’ve handed them over to my daughter – the official tree/bunny hugger in the family – to review for us.
Watch out for what she has to say. Go the website www.africanpenguin.co.za/
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Lock In
by John Scalzi (Orion)
Fifteen years from now a virus sweeps through the world.
Most of the afflicted experience fever and headaches, while a few suffer acute meningitis – creating the biggest medical crisis in history.
But there’s a small number of the afflicted who become “locked in” – fully awake and aware, but paralysed and unable to respond to stimuli. In the US 1.7 million are “locked in” – including the president’s wife and daughter.
The Americans embark on a massive scientific initiative. Nothing will unlock the afflicted, but two new inventions will help them.
One is “The Agora” – a virtual reality environment where the locked in can interact with humans.
The other is the fact that some of the locked in have brains that can be controlled by others – this allows the locked in to use “normal” bodies as if they were their own.
But of course, these technologies are open to abuse and very soon they are going to be used for crimes, political power and worse.
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The Taming of the Queen
by Philippa Gregory (Simon & Schuster)
Katheryn Parr is 30-year-old widow who’s having a secret affair. But when King Henry VIII – a man old enough to be her father – commands her to marry him, she has no choice but to comply.
Katheryn is convinced she is in danger – Henry has already buried four wives. One lasted barely half a year in their marriage.
But Henry adores her and Katheryn’s trust grows as she unites the royal family. She rules the kingdom as a Regent, and becomes a leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English.
Katheryn is an independent woman with a mind of her own.
But for all her strength, Katheryn cannot save the Protestants. The traditional churchmen and rivals for power accuse her of heresy – an accusation punishable by death by fire. Now Henry’s dangerous gaze turns to her…