Best Mommies and Daddies

Reina Ollivier (Ukkel, Belgium, 1956) studied German languages at the University of Brussels (KUB) and Leuven (KUL). She combined writing with teaching at secondary schools, but now she is a fulltime author and (crowned) translator. Young children have an open mind and are longing to learn, that’s why Reina loves to give the information in an attractive and playful manner. At Clavis Publishing Company she worked at the Willewete-series and together with Dixie Dancercoeur she wrote the thrilling series about Emma Dewitt and her adventures in the polar regions against the background of climate change, for children ages 10 years and up. Karel Claes was born in 1955, in Vilvoorde (Belgium). He studied Literature, Philosophy, and Communication. He was director of Doctors Without Borders, made children’s and youth programs for the Belgian national television, was editor-in-chief of children’s magazines Zonneland and Zonnestraal and for many years he published a successful series of articles on important life issues. Karel loves traveling, sailing, playing tennis, cross-country skiing, swimming, and reading. Steffie Padmos studied illustration at the art academy in Maastricht (NL) and Bath (UK) and obtained her master’s degree in Scientific Illustration. Her work is characterized by craftsmanship, an eye for detail, and an interest in nature. Because of her background as a scientific illustrator, Steffie has a lot of experience in depicting complex biological and medical subjects, but she has a much broader orientation. She also illustrates for museums and publishers of children’s books. Steffie works in different styles and techniques, both analog and digital, depending on the specific assignment. Steffie’s lives in Amsterdam, with her two children and partner.

"A further strong entry to this series, that each time highlights one aspect of animal life on earth, and gives us an up-close, detailed look at nine examples. This one, on animal parenting, starts with the extraordinary endurance of emperor penguin parents, before switching to foxes, orang utans, clown fish, flamingos, and so on. The entry style for each is the standard for the series – a huge and attractive double-page portrait, then a look at each critter's anatomy, range, speed, diet, and so on. The third spread each time has four short paragraphs (written as if from the animal's point of view, when confusingly the introduction is the adult speaking) overlaid on an illustration showing their family life. Child-friendly and then some, this is a great introduction to some animals children will want to know more about, and just about manages to rein in the anthropomorphism. Definitely four stars." – The Book Bag"This team has done it again. With gorgeous illustrations and informative layouts, they really educate you on the best parents in the animal world. I would recommend this series of books to inquisitive little scientist who want to know more about animals!" – Emilee Reads Books