Tenrec's Twigs - Hardcover

Kitchen, Bert

4.22

9 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0718827163 ISBN 13: 9780718827168

Publisher: Lutterworth Press, 1989

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Conservation of rare and endangered species is a vitally important issue, and the sooner children can be made aware of it, the better. But before they can become actively involved, they need to be familiar with the creatures at risk. This beautiful picture book introduces young children to an unusual assortment of animals and birds through a delightful story. At the end of the book is a page of animal facts which tells children more about the strange creatures they have met in the story. Tenrecs are shy, insect-eating creatures from Madagascar. There are about 25 species of Tenrec, ranging in size from a tiny shrew-like animal to ones about the size of a hedgehog. The Tenrec featured here is instantly recognisable by a crest of hair on its head, remarkably similar to a mohican haircut, and the story tells of his determination for building structures out of twigs.

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About the Author:

Doris Orgel is the author of, among many titles, The Devil In Vienna, Ariadne, Awake! We Goddesses, and My Mother's Daughter, the latter published by Roaring Brook in 2003. She is the author of the Lion and the Mouse and Other Aesop Fables, illustrated by Bert Kitchen.
Bert Kitchen, one of England's most distinguished artists, is the author of Animal Alphabet and most recently illustrated The Lion and the Mouse and Other Aesop's Fables

From Publishers Weekly:

Tenrec is a small creature, "resembling something between a shrew and a hedgehog" who wakes up one morning knowing that it is a great day for building. So he happily assembles some twigs, until a grumpy warthog mutters, "Useless! A Waste of Time!" and ruins Tenrec's mood. Tenrec needs a second, and then a third opinion about whether he is wasting his time, and the answers he obtains run the philosophical gamut: the parrot relies on word-of-mouth for his opinion, the giraffe has his head in the clouds and can't be bothered to respond, the pangolin is wrapped up in himself and just can't say, the two-toed sloth falls asleep before he can answer and the stork is so overcome by his own importance he can't speak. Finally the owl gives Tenrec's creative act a favorable review and the little fellow can go back to his task. Kitchen's animals, as in his Animal Alphabet , are sharp and defined on the page; he plants each of the central and southern African inhabitants against a pristine white background, and depicts their gestures with personality and charm. The story moves well, although adults may be troubled by Tenrec's need for the approval of others. But for those who can get past the preachier aspect of Tenrec's dilemma, Kitchen provides an unusual tale with many humorous flourishes. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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