Protectors of Mother Nature (soft cover Paperback: 24 pages $ 12.99 ages 4 +) Written and illustrated by Marghanita Hughes
In a time when being environmentally friendly has almost become a cliché in our language, books and products for children are popping up more than ever before; some better than others. ’We’re the little Humbugs’ is a book that invites children and parents to engage with nature, and to take care of nature. Through joy and in a fairy tale setting, kids get a story that they can connect with. The Little Humbugs characters are easy for little girls and boys to fall in love with, as they have a lot in common with well known characters like fairies, trolls, and gnomes.
“Since the world was young, and for as long as Mother Nature can remember, Butterfly Girls and Dragonfly Boys have danced happily amongst her wild flowers and towering trees.”
The text is written in a descriptive voice introducing the world and character of the Little Humbugs. Language is simple with a clear passionate message for children. The book is categorized in different sections explaining what The Little Humbugs are. The text in the book is structured in both paragraph form and blocks of text. The bullet points are used as a way to drive the story and to tell the reader about the characters.
The illustrations are what make this book unique, with whimsical use of both illustrations in pastel colors and photographs. The graphics are beautiful and strong with a fairytale feeling for young and old readers.
In the book we meet the Little Humbugs who are the protectors of Nature. We meet Jasmine the leader of the Butterfly Girls. Chloe the Gardner, Chou the Natural Healer, Lucy the Bird Keeper, Nika the Gemstone Collector. Flint the head Dragonfly boy, and Tanya.
The characters are living their life as a part of nature, which is their forest. The activities in the book are great suggestions for kids to do to connect them with nature. In the end of the book the reader gets an invitation to help Mother Nature in a concrete way in daily life.
I am always cautious about being too preachy to small children about environmental concerns, as I want them to experience the simple joy of nature when they are young. But, this book’s suggestions are very simple, concrete and easy for kids to understand. Children can enjoy the Little Humbugs as individuals and create their own personal connection with nature as they see themselves in the characters of this book.
For six months we have been reading this book over and over again. My daughter loves the book and one night she even asked me, “Mamma, are the Little Humbugs real”? For me that says it all.
