Impossible Animals

by Gregory Pastoll

This book consists of thirty large full-colour illustrations of imaginary creatures with peculiar habits and names that are entertainingly difficult to pronounce. You probably haven't heard of a Plookoplackmipeep or an Aquadaquadocquadile. You will get from this book an authoritative introduction to these unique, amusing and fanciful animals. Each 'Impossible Animal' is described by a four-line verse that accompanies its illustration. The book is suitable and entertaining to all ages from 4 upwards, and would be found amusing by adults with a lively imagination.
Reading these short descriptions to a young child who is viewing the illustrations is likely to lead to conversation about what the child thinks about such an unlikely animal. The verses rhyme and scan properly, and contain not only the hard-to-pronounce names of the Impossible Animals, but other words that will help to increase a child's vocabulary.

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 9, 2022

About the author

Grew up in Rustenburg, South Africa, attended Wits University, and the University of Cape Town. Worked as an engineer, taught engineering, specialised in teaching methods. Lived most of my adult life in Cape Town. Moved to Australia in 2013. Always painted landscapes and did woodwork, later learnt the craft of violin-making from master luthier Brian Lisus. Made up stories to tell my children, and developed an ability to write in rhyming verse. Have written over 120 stories in rhyme, some for children, and some for adults. Also have written the scripts and lyrics for 5 musicals, all based on my own original stories. Four of these are suited to younger audiences. Two of the latter have been performed, at a school in Cape Town, with music by Anthea Parnell. These were 'The Pirate Queen' which is completely unrelated to two other musicals of the same name, and 'Jovano's Question'. Have developed a few board games, among which 'The Cricket Game' was produced and marketed.