Astred Hicks – illustratör

A young girl with a tragic past and a rhinoceros facing life in captivity form an unlikely and magical bond after a fateful storm and a shipwreck bring them together. A moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship for readers 8+.1891On a stormy night off the coast of southern Australia, a ship transporting a cargo of exotic animals tosses and turns in enormous seas. Rhino senses they are in grave danger. . .Not far away, ten-year-old Evie and her grandfather shelter in their crumbling, once-grand old home. They know too well how deadly storms can be. When all is calm, Evie treks over the dunes to the sea and makes a discovery that will change her life, and Rhino’s, forever.Will the tragedies of their pasts finally be put to rest?The perfect story for 8+ fans of The Last Bear, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and Polly Pecorino: The Girl Who Rescues Animals."It is a story based on true events, introduces readers to some fascinating facts about animals and fauna in Australia, and will make your heart sing. […] . This story exudes love and the magical connections and healing powers that true friendship brings.” Armadillo Magazine

Mind-Controlling Bugs is a captivating non-fiction book for children aged 6 and up that delves into the intriguing world of parasitic insects!Imagine you’re about to be devoured by a predator, but oddly enough, you don’t feel the urge to run away. Instead, you simply want to clean yourself. It sounds frightening, but that’s exactly what happens to a cockroach when it’s stung by a jewel wasp! This unsettling insect turns its host into a real-life zombie, taking control of its mind and leading it to its doom. But not all parasites are bad – some actually assist farmers in protecting their crops from pests. In this book, you’ll uncover the bizarre and wonderful world of parasitic bugs. With a lively writing style, author Aidan Doyle introduces 20 different insect species with the remarkable ability to control other creatures, explaining how they do it and why. Filled with fascinating scientific facts and stunning illustrations by Astred Hicks, the skin-crawling Mind-Controlling Bugs is bound to captivate and amuse, and might even make you view cockroaches with a touch of sympathy. You never know – you might end up feeling a bit sorry for them!