Effie

Margaret Bunel Edwards is a freelance writer and author of several
children’s books.

Effie is an ant like no other. She has a loud, loud voice that frightens
all the creatures she hopes will be her friends. A caterpillar, a
butterfly, a spider, a beetle, and a grasshopper all run the other way
when they hear her voice. But suddenly they come dashing back. Effie’s
heart leaps with joy until the caterpillar warns her that she is in
great danger and should run for her life.

She hurries to the ant colony, where everyone is cowering in fear under
a mysterious shadow. Effie fills her lungs with air and roars, “Stop.
Hold it.” A very surprised elephant steps aside, narrowly missing the
ants. He and Effie find that they enjoy each other’s company; they
spend days and days just talking. Meanwhile, large numbers of elephants
begin watching out for small creatures and become their friends.

For the child of 5 to 7 years, this is a gentle story of friendship.
For the adult, this could be an allegory warning us to speak loudly
against the danger of pollution and get the attention of huge
conglomerates before we are destroyed. Either way, it is a book sure to
appeal to young children and those who read to them.

The unusual illustrations are modelled in plasticine and have won
worldwide recognition for the artist. This will make a unique addition
to a child’s book collection.