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A new children's book called Varmints introduces the idea of pollution and environmental issues in a tale of 'ecological doom'. The story revolves around creatures called Varmints, which are described as small, soulful creatures that look on as nature is tarnished by industrial progress, and all peace and quiet is lost -- something which we can all relate to.
Written by Helen Ward, the book is lyrical, at times poetic and occasionally quite dark and intense. Accompanying the words are some incredible images by film-maker, Marc Craste, that match the text beautifully.
The book will also be turned into a short film next year, and if the animation lives up to the promise of the drawings in this book, then it will be one to look out for.
"There was once only the sound of bees and wind in the wiry grass, the low murmuring of moles in the cool, dark earth … then one day the others came, and the sound of bees was lost."
"Tall buildings scratched the sky where the birds once sang. There was so much noise no one could hear themselves think! But in a high place, someone nurtured a little piece of wilderness …."
"This little piece of wilderness was taken to a safer place and then all their hopes and wishes took to the air, like new seeds upon the wind. The sound of bees returned, and once more, the sound of the wind in the wiry grass … in the high blue sky."
Varmints by Helen Ward and Marc Craste is out in paperback for £10.99, and a limited edition slipcase version is up for grabs for £19.99.
13 May 2008 01:15am
i saw this book in our school library and instantly grabbed my attention. i've read the book over hundreds of times and admired the beautiful illistrations for hours. i am using this book as an inspiration and artist model for my year 13 painting ncea panels and look forward to applying you theories and techniques to my own work. A outstanding book, that isn't the usual children's book. beautiful content in both text and art.
17 June 2008 12:19pm
Im doing this book for a book review that i have to do at school.I asked the library for a book and she said that i should do this new book.I took the book and sat down.The moment i started looking at the pictures and started reading the works that helen ward put down in this book the more i started to want to read it again.I found this website by researching for my book review.I think that this website has helped me alot and that the book has realy opened my eyes to nature.
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