Little Devils

by Robert J. Blake

Robert J. Blake shines a light on a little-known animal. Burnie, Winnie and Big Stanley are three Tasmanian devil pups growing up in the wild. Along with their mother, they make one happy family. Since the pups are still so small, Mum does all the hunting. But one night, Mum doesn?t come home and the pups are getting hungry . . . and worried. They need food, but more importantly, they need Mum. Big Stanley is the first to leave the den. Then Burnie. And finally Winnie. Together they set out with one goal in find Mum. What follows is a heart-warming tale of adventure, love and family, told to readers by the incomparable Robert J. Blake with lifelike illustrations that will touch readers and bring them closer to this unique animal.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burnie, Winnie and Big Stanley liked to fight, and dinnertime in their family was often a rough and tumble affair. Of course, "Mum didn't care that they acted gnarly and rough. Because that is what Tasmanian devils are supposed to do." But then one day, Mum didn't come home, and three scrappy little devils set out to find her...

Robert J. Blake, who spent a number of weeks observing Tasmanian devils in the wild, delivers an engaging adventure tale that manages to be both heartwarming and realistic. The combative feeding habits of the species, their propensity for "borrowing" items from nearby human homes, and their fearsome howling, all play a role in Little Devils. But so too does love of family, sticking together, and courage in the face of adversity. The oil illustrations, in mostly warm earth-tones, emphasize both the youth of the three little devils, and their potential ferocity.

Unlike other Australian animals - such as the wombat, koala bear, or kangaroo - it's unusual to see a picture-book featuring the Tasmanian devil. Given the threat currently facing the species, whose population in the wild has declined 70% over the last decade, due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease, the publication of Little Devils is especially welcome! Perhaps young readers (and their teachers and parents) might like to visit the Save the Tasmanian Devil website, after reading it...

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful oil-painting illustrations introduce the Tasmanian devil as an animal both fierce and feisty and devoted and intelligent. Sadly, these incredibly unique animals are facing extinction. It's hard not to start thinking about Tasmanian devil preservation after closing this book.

[Miss Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches you a bit about the true nature of the Tasmanian devil. Follow along with the 3 devils as they go on a life changing adventure for their family.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches you a bit about the true nature of the Tasmanian devil. Follow along with the 3 devils as they go on a life changing adventure for their family.

[Ember Moto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art and such amazing creatures! These Devils need more love.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also on this very short list is Robert J. Blake (ugly website though, dude - ouch). In the Author's Note for Little Devils, he describes the weeks that he spent in Tasmania, living in a shack and observing Tasmanian devils. I've never written about animals. I've written about art, though, and the only way to write about art is to sit in front of and look at and think about that art for a long time. Mr. Blake lived and breathed Tasmanian wildlife for a good long stretch. He sat and watched the devils that prowled around his shack and lived in the hills.

Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/200...

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about baby Tasmanian devils...what's not to love? It's coming-of-age story of how the young rescue their mother. By the time you finish the book, you will be enchanted by Tasmanian devils. Burnie, Winnie, and Big Stanley are adorable.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the wonderful artwork alone, I love this book. The story is cute, and kids will love the little devils.

[Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute illustrations - the artist used oils and studied the animals in their habitat to get the right expressions.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three little tasmanian devils save their mum from a trap and are happily reunited with her.