Lethal lizards by Gregg Dreise

Lethal Lizards is the second book in Gregg Dreise’s Scales and Tails series following Super snake. In this Creation story, Dreise has authored a wonderful narrative about goannas, lizards and snakes. In the Dreamtime the goannas and lizards were white and were frightened by the snake brothers. Biamme decides to help them  and crushes blue objects, making them a dillybag each of Biamme’s Blue Poison which will collapse the snakes if it is wiped on them. Meanwhile the snake brothers persuade the lizards to let them paint them with magic and each of the goannas and lizards are given the beautiful colours and patterns that they have today. They also become more courageous and resilient and can face the snakes head-on.

I love the illustrations in Lethal Lizards. The beautiful ochre colours of the land, the bright blue of the sky and the gorgeous patterns on the creatures are a feast for the eye. And each of the creatures has a distinct face, with wonderful eyes and often a smile. There is a section at the back of the book on Dreise’s art which gives details of how he uses traditional and modern art to make his Indigenous picture books.

At the conclusion of the book on the last page is a section titled About the story which give a summary of the theme of Lethal lizards:
'Lethal Lizards is a story about physical appearances. When we understand unique differences as beautiful, and bullies stop trying to create fear, then our children will grow up happier than ever before.'

The underlying theme of being brave and standing up for yourself will appeal to both an adult who is reading the story aloud or the newly independent reader who may try it. The lizards use their intelligence and cunning to overcome the bullies which is reassuring for young readers.

This is an uplifting story that is sure to appeal to young children and is likely to become a favourite in a home library as well as a classroom.

Themes: Lizards, Bravery, Bullying, Resilience, Creation story.

Pat Pledger