Caterpillar Books ISBN 9781838910327 £10.99
This book is based on the migration of Zebras from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This happens throughout each year as they sense the change of weather patterns and need to move to find fertile feeding grasslands further north. The text is kept to the minimum at the top of each page and the superb illustrations allow the reader of the double page spreads to understand the story of the migration. As the dry season starts in the Serengeti the zebras start their migration along with other animals.
Jonny Marx has designed a book with superb bold illustration by Hanako Clulow that capture the story of animal and bird migration. Readers become acquainted with the animals and understand their need to get food and water. It also has one double page highlighting the dangers that they meet based, no doubt, on the famous crossing of the Mara River with crocodiles hoping to feed on the Zebras and other migrating animals such as the Wildebeest. They finally reach the lush pastures for the rainy season where they can stay until they will have the trek home again. This is a book that not only will educate children about animal migration but also, through the illustration, introduce them to different animals and the landscape of East Africa. The excellent double page spread with pictures of all the wildlife and the question ‘Did you see us on the journey?’ will encourage observation skills and allow the children to return to the previous pages to find the animals and birds.
This book that can be read to young children. The illustrations will encourage them to read and use new vocabulary as they learn about wildlife in their natural habitat. A story book both for the home but also for teachers to use in the classroom with KS1 children.
Paul Baker