WHICH CHILD doesn’t like a good monster story?
The team at local children’s book publisher ‘Little Red House’ has published a new picture book about crocodiles entitled ‘The Log’.
The book is written by Sam Penglase and illustrated by his wife Sofia Fortunato, both former academic scientists who, two years ago, teamed up to create picture books with science and environmental themes.
‘The Log’ is the fifth children’s book addition to Little Red House since 2020, and the small team of three – Sofia, Sam and their editor Rachael Dennis – are very proud of their new book.
Dr Penglase, with a background in Aquaculture, had the initial idea to write the book, after a road trip to Terrible Creek, near Collinsville, in 2021; but the inspiration that drove him to write, was a combination of personal experiences.
“I was inspired by what I have seen in relation to complacency in regards to crocs in our waterways over the years,” he said.
“I’ve been to places where people are swimming in the water thinking it is safe, but then hearing from locals about how they won’t even wash their hands in the water because of the monster crocs they have seen at these same places, and this is something I myself have been guilty of.
“Also, another inspiration is some of the research I have done on these animals as part of the scientific community. They really are an ideal predator that can learn, stay out of sight, and use its number one skill…patience.
“A final inspiration is climate change and the environment as a whole. Basically, depending on how warm our planet gets over the coming decades will dictate the distribution of the heat loving crocs.”
Both Sofia and Sam wanted to leave an important message with the book.
“As with other stories we have published, with this book we want to both educate and entertain kids with engaging, fun and colorful stories,” Mrs Fortunato said.
“This book is working to make kids (and their parents) a little bit more aware of the potential danger they could be putting themselves in with just an everyday activity such as going to a new fishing spot.”
To find out more about ‘The Log’ and other books go to www.lrhouse.com.au.
