-
Check out my facebook page!
-
Or flick me an email!
'Licence to Krill' is written and illustrated by a Darwin based artist and wildlife veterinarian, Ilana Hoffman. Through humour and rhyme, in an enchanting mix of fact and fantasy, Ilana expresses her irrepressible passion for wildlife conservation. Her playful text and vivid illustrations promote a desire in junior readers to preserve and explore our natural world. The book has been reviewed by marine biologists, marine mammal veterinarians and senior educators. Evaluated as suitable for readers aged seven to 13, the book entertains children and adults of all ages who marvel at the surprising truths revealed in this story.
Licence to Krill is a beautifully illustrated story, rich in general knowledge facts about creatures that live beneath the sea. The story, about a baby whale in particular, focuses on his journey to learn to feed himself. It explores scientific and mathematical facts along the way. This book has huge potential in a classroom environment and would be an excellent resource for introducing of a unit of work on “the sea” or “sea creatures”. The simple technique of using water coloured paint and free hand illustrations is an inspiring medium relevant to the level of the audience’s artistic capabilities. On every page the author has captured the imagination of the audience, by providing interesting scientific facts about the variety of fish and crustacean species beneath the vast ocean. This clever addition to the main storyline creates a feeling of awe as the audience get to visually perceive just how awesome in size the varied species of the great deep really are. I truly enjoyed reading this colourful and interesting story and found the use of rhyming enriching and pleasurable to read. As an educator, the endless possibilities that crossed my mind for using this delightful story within the classroom were totally inspiring.
By Caroline Francis
Dip.T, B.Ed
Licence to Krill by Dr. Ilana Hoffman - A review by Shannon McKay (whale conservationist)
Licence to Krill is a fantastic children’s book written and illustrated by Dr. Ilana Hoffman, a passionate vet who is dedicated to everything regarding the conservation of our oceans. The story revolves around baby Bames, a young blue whale calf who is seeking a life of adventure and the characters he meets along the way help him to become a ‘true blue’ whale. Filled with stunning images and interesting facts, Licence to Krill is a must for all junior conservationists and will ignite many family discussions about underwater life and the role that whales play in our ecosystem, all in a fun, factual, way. Under the guidance of Professor Krillbill, baby Bames follows the habits of the humpbacks and the gusto of the grey whales, all the while meeting many other characters along the way, before earning his “licence to krill”. The little facts dotted here and there across the pages are what make this book such a unique and entertaining read. You’ll be able to scroll through the pages time and time again, and with a handy glossary section at the back of the book, young ones will have no trouble following the story and learning along the way. The highlight of the book is the amazing images throughout, bright and cheerful, you’ll enjoy being a part of the adventure with Bames!
Licence to Krill by Dr. Ilana Hoffman is a beautifully written and strikingly illustrated account of a young blue whale’s undersea adventure. The story of ‘Bames Pond’, told through lyrical rhyme, is an educational insight into the feeding behaviours of creatures of the deep.
“I’m happy to confide my krill catching style’ he said with a smile. “As you will soon see, it’s a good strategy. Simple, swift, smart and neat, from the seafloor I choose to eat. I role my huge body onto its side and so create an edible tide.”
Encounters with Sensei Manta Ray and harmonious humpbacks, combined with dreams of South American serpents and Klezmer crab bands will ignite imagination, whilst a scattering of fun facts incite learning.
For me personally, this book resonates as it provides a cleverly understated message about the important role marine wildlife plays within the natural world. I believe Licence to Krill will inspire interest and passion in children both young and old. It is beautiful, educational, engaging and sweet.
Review by: Tess Cooper, Wildlife Ranger
Ilana’s love for animals and natural curiosity have taken her across the world. She has worked in elephant hospitals in Southeast Asia and with buffalo in Laos. She volunteered in the Middle East with birds of prey, working on reintroduction of endangered species in a cross-border project between countries with few diplomatic relations. The catch-phrase was ‘birds have no borders’. In Sri Lanka Ilana worked alongside a local vet conducting workshops for keepers at the Colombo zoo; assisted wildlife veterinarians at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe National Park; spent time helping out at the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala; and treated wild animals in the jungle.
In Australia, her passion for animal welfare led her to volunteer with Animal Management in Remote Rural Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) and gave her a first tantalising experience of the Northern Territory. Returning to the Territory she continued working with AMRRIC and the diverse wildlife of the top end as a veterinarian at a local animal hospital. No two days were the same as she worked with wildlife, exotics and domestic animals. Ilana became a wildlife carer ‘mum’ to baby possums.
She spent her days moving between regular duties and animal welfare, working with Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife and tourist wildlife parks.
Ilana is continuing on her journey, traveling across the Top End to Queensland and down Australia’s east coast, taking veterinary positions along the way, meeting fabulous people and fulfilling her passion of caring for nature’s marvellous creatures.
Ilana has loved writing and drawing since she was a tiny sprout. Other than Spoken Word Nights or Poetry Slams this is the first time she has shared her creative work more broadly. Since publishing ‘Licence to Krill’ Ilana has illustrated for Sydney Story Factory’s ‘Radio With Pictures’ project; presented an original work to the Country Women’s Association in Darwin; and recorded readings for the Starlight Foundation’s educational children’s book TV project that broadcasts to children hospitalised across Australia.
She likes camping out bush, dancing, or having a jam with her Capoeira crew.
And how does she manage to fit it all in? Ilana says: “…when I feel like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew… well I just learn a new way to chew”
Check out my facebook page!
Or flick me an email!
If ordering multiple copies, please contact me before proceeding to arrange discount postage.