Water-holes come in a lot of different sizes and settings. A lot of them are natural, but they can also be manmade. Some even have floodlights and seating areas, like in a stadium. Falling asleep in this arena can be quite dangerous at night. But most of the time, watching wildlife around a water-hole is magical. The animals come and go at their own pace. Some come alone, others arrive in...
After a lazy afternoon, Tata&Squack are allowed to ride on the back of Noor, the matriarch of the royal family. They are impressed by her skills. She guides the elephants carefully over the plains in search of water and food. Near the hills baboons of all sizes suddenly appear. The males are large and impressive, most of the females have babies clinging to their bellies or sitting on their...
The Phanhabs illustrations show how the wild animals in the African Lush Bush spend their day playing, hunting, feeding and sleeping. Unfortunately this also means "eat and be eaten". Many people ask me whether I think this is children's book material? Yes, I do, with certain limits. I think it is important that children learn to understand that each living creature has it's own life cycle. To...
After a muddy time chilling out by the river, Tata&Squack look forward to having a siesta under the lush trees on the riverbank, together with their friend Harry’s and his family. They hope that Harry's big ears can cool them down. Then Squack rummages around in Tata's bag and miraculously he pulls out a ‘pretty wild’ parasol. “Safi, Squack.” It is a peaceful, sleepy time of day. With the...
After a refreshing dip into the river Tata&Squack join their new elephant-friend Harry and his family for a mud bath on the riverbank. “Afraid to get dirty, Tata? A mud bath is so much fun and it protects your skin from the sun and stops the bugs from biting you.” “I know that in the wild your skin needs protection, Harry. It looks funny, but this muddy stuff is not my thing.” “I love this...
On their adventurous journey, together with their new elephant friend Harry, Tata&Squack finally get to meet his family, the Royals. Harry starts running towards the river as fast as his legs can carry him, trumpeting happily. Joyfully he races into a group of elephants, bathing in the river. Trunks intertwine with his, hugging him fondly. The entire herd rumbles a welcome. Princes and...
Tata&Squack can barely hold on to Harry, their elephant friend, while they cruise the african savanna, together with flocks of Guinea Fowl. On their way they see a tree with weaver nests, dancing in the wind like 'baubles’. Harry is anxious to get to the river where he can hear his family. They talk to him using rumbles which travel through the ground. Like all elephants Harry can hear with...
With their new elephant friend Harry, Tata&Squack find a nest in a hollow tree. “This is where my bird friend Mrs Hornbill lives. She has built her nest with her own feathers. Mrs Hornbill loses her feathers overnight and uses them to make a nice fluffy bed for her eggs. To protect her and the eggs, Mr Hornbill seals up the hole in the tree with mud and droppings. He leaves a small opening...
