While polar bears, Bengal tigers, and leatherback turtles are better known for being at risk for extinction, not many people have heard of the common five-lined skink, let alone know about its endangered status.
Author Lisa Dalrymple, of Fergus, and illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo bring this lesser-known reptile into the spotlight in their new picture book, Skink on the Brink (published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside).
“It was obvious to me that a skink had to be the hero of this book, partially because Stewie’s story of learning to love and respect himself as he grows up and changes is a story that I think kids will get, partially because the common five-lined skink is an amazing endangered creature of which so many people have never heard, and partially because the word ‘skink’ just tickled me,” explained Dalrymple.
“I knew that a character named Stewie the Skink couldn’t help but be a lot of fun.”
Also known as Stewie the Blue, Dalrymple’s skink is one who’s proud of his bright blue tail, but as he matures, his tail becomes grey.
Unhappy with the change, the new look throws Stewie into a low mood and while he laments over his old tail, a woodland friend helps him find a new perspective and regain his self-confidence and self-acceptance.
With fun rhymes and a relatable theme, this latest addition of the Tell-Me-More Storybook series is accompanied with neat facts and activities for kids.
Debut illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo brings the rich details of nature and quirky characters to life using plasticine.
Skink on the Brink was officially launched on July 6 in Toronto at Intergalactic Travel Authority (Story Planet).
Dalrymple and Rizzo will return to Stewie’s home at the Pinery Provincial Park to take part in the Savannah Festival in Grand Bend with a reading on July 20 from 10am to 4pm.
Dalrymple, who has been touring the book through local schools and public libraries this spring, is excited to bring the book to local audiences at Roxanne’s Reflections on July 27 from 11am to 1pm.
Her local book launch will include a reading, book signing and activities for kids.
“It’s terrific because a lot of the local kids have been my biggest supporters throughout this entire journey and it’s just so much fun to see this story come to life together,” said Dalrymple.
For more information on her July 27 book launch, visit www.lisadalrymple.com.
