A new book in the “Scales and Tails” series, wonderfully showcasing our landscape and unique wildlife, while also teaching the reader some important life lessons.
Feature image credit: Magabala Books
Gregg Dreise is a descendant of the Goomelro/Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of southwest Queensland and northwest New South Wales. He is a teacher and performs at schools and festivals, showcasing his didgeridoo.
Dreise has published numerous award-winning books since 2014, including “Silly Birds.” Dreises’s books call upon his knowledge of Aboriginal stories, which teach us about morality and respect.
Lethal Lizards is the second book to be published in his “Scales and Tails” series. It is a story set in the Dreamtime. The animals are celebrating the birth of Dharrumalan, the son of Biamme who was born from the stars and the Great One Creator in the sky. The animals all bring gifts for Biamme but when it is time to leave, the lizards, who as yet have no colour on their bodies, are afraid to go. They are scared of the mean snake brothers. Biamme promises to fix the problem and so he gives them a blue poison to keep them safe.
Feeling much braver, the lizards leave the next morning. How they make it home is the lesson that children will take away from this story. Lethal Lizards teaches us that we are all unique in our appearance, and that is something we need to be proud of. It also teaches us that we may encounter bullies and we need the courage to stand up to them together to make a difference, which becomes easier if we have good friends to support us.
Once again Dreise has filled each double page with beautiful illustrations, incorporating his Country’s traditional designs. Dot circles are used throughout, representing the sun, sky, and earth. As readers we feel the dryness of the desert, understand the importance of the life-giving water, and learn the difference between our various lizards and snakes.
If you have enjoyed Dreise’s previous stories you will want to read this new offering.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Magabala Books
Released: September 2024
RRP: $27.99
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