Dutch / Netherlands
Wij waren hier eerst
(We were here first)
Akveld, Joukje
(text/photos)
Grobler, Piet
(illus.)
Fox, Justin
(photos)
Haarlem: Gottmer, 2017. – 224 p.
ISBN 978-90-257-6649-8
South Africa | Wild animals | Non-fiction
Reading age: 11+
White Ravens issue: 2018
Joukje Akveld trekked by foot through South Africa and visited shelters for threatened wild animals, including cheetahs who rarely breed, rhinoceroses on the run from poachers, and pesky bag-stealing baboons. An animal is introduced in every chapter of her book, along with its wild habitat. Akveld’s personal observations, the know-how of local experts, and the funny tips about how to – and especially how not to – handle wild animals make her approach unique. Akveld also broaches difficult subjects. Are there, for instance, too many elephants or not enough? It all depends on how you look at it. There are few of them worldwide, but in and around nature reserves there are too many. She teases apart in humorous ways many tourist misunderstandings about the animals. The photos (most of them taken by Akveld herself) are beautiful, and Grobler’s small, colourful illustrations, which sometimes form part of a photo, are sophisticated. The book was nominated for the 2018 Woutertje Pieterse Award and received a Silver Slate Pencil this year.