Zimbabwean author, Cheryl Robertson has written a nonfiction children’s book on insects called “Goggas: A Collection of Captivating Creepy Crawlies”.
The book encourages children to understand the essential roles that insects play in making our planet survivable.
Robertson writes about insects found all over the world including those that live only south of the Sahara.
Bugs such as the midge – while harmless, in countless numbers they drive us mad with their swarming and lack of personal boundaries; the fly with its grubby habits and consequent bacteria coating makes it a carrier of many diseases; and the mopane worm, an excellent source of nutrients and rather yummy.
The book balances hard facts with fun rhymes, gives the common names, the Shona and Ndebele names and the biological classifications of each creepy crawly, accompanied by quirky illustrations Greg Mandy (Cheryl’s son) created while he was growing up in Malaysia, the UK, Ireland, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.
He was one of those seemingly rare kids enthralled by insects so searched for, sometimes caught but always drew anything that crept and crawled.
“I kept the drawings he created from the age of three until 15 and used them to illustrate this book. Greg – now 30 and a filmmaker, photographer and editor – also created the cover,” Robertson said.
All facts have been verified by wildlife professionals and entomologists from around the world.
“Dorothy Madamba, Curator of Entomology at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe and the safari guides at Imvelo Safari Lodges helped me tremendously with the languages,” she said.
The global approach of the book shows children how interconnected the world is – insects in every country are our decomposers, soil aerators, sources of food for other creatures as well as pest controllers.
The illustrations will appeal to all children and the text is aimed at those aged around eight and above although adults will also learn a thing or two.
The book is currently available from The Orange Elephant in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
On the book’s back cover Jeffrey A. Lockwood, Professor of Natural Sciences & Humanities at the University of Wyoming, USA writes: “These are very engaging, entertaining and cleverly informative poems!
“The humor is lovely, the science is intriguing, and the sense of futility about our controlling the insect world is spot on!
“The children’s artwork was absolutely enchanting. I can see where this would engage young readers with a sense that their art is taken seriously—as it should be.”
In an article that appeared in The Laramie Boomerang newspaper in Wyoming, Professor Lockwood said that the book’s childish curiosity was one of the reasons he agreed to help the author with fact-checking.
“Well-crafted children’s books are a profoundly valuable approach to immersing children in the natural sciences,” he said.
“It was deeply appreciated that Cheryl reached out to get the science right while framing this information in words and images that are wonderfully engaging to children.”
Other reviews come from Steve Edwards, a professional guide and owner of Musango Safari Camp in Lake Kariba.
“Children’s health and well-being are enhanced when they have direct experiences in nature, but when this is not readily accessible this fascinating book will inspire them.
“Goggas introduces some essential aspects of the world of insects, told in humorous, educational, and scientific poetic verse.”
Leo Braak, previously at Kruger National Park in South Africa and now Medical Entomologist and Professor at the Malaria Consortium in Bangkok, Thailand said: “A delightful and heart-warming introduction to our micro-denizen compatriots which so richly populate our planet and contribute to our well-being in so many ways. Fun to read.”
Somerset UK-based conservationist, councillor, and grandmother Dixie Darch said: “This is much more than a collection of poems about insects for children.
“It transports us to Africa where the creepy crawlies have a serious attitude and wonderful names like goggas and dudus.
“The book never patronises and is seriously educational in terms of biological classification and entomology, but with a keen eye for those quirky facts that excite youngsters: did you know that the Romans paid taxes in honey rather than gold?”
“The entertaining insect poems do the same, focusing on the horridness that fascinates children… dried worms for supper recipe and the insect source for poison arrows, not to mention dung beetles’ favourite food,” she said.
“Essential knowledge for the budding naturalist, and for grown-ups who are curious about the insect world and other cultures. Illustrations are a delight.”
Chris Jones, farmer, ecologist, and restoration director of the Beaver Trust in Cornwall, UK, wrote: “This little book breathes new life into some well-known subjects and particularly addresses the all-important younger audience. Combining child art with hard facts as well as great humour is a refreshing approach.”
*Goggas is also available on all Amazon outlets including https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P3PC675
