Skink on the Brink

Written by Lisa Dalrymple

Illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo

Published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013

Stewie is a very special skink — he has a beautiful blue tail which gives him a superpower against his enemies. Stewie loves singing his songs and rhymes as he dashes around his home. But as he grows up his beautiful blue tail starts to turn grey — he can’t call himself Stewie the Blue anymore! And without his rhymes, his home by the pond doesn’t feel as special either.

 

Available on Amazon 

 

Awards and recognition:

*WINNER- 2014 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award (Canada)
*Shortlisted- 2014 Rainforest of Reading Award
*Canadian Children’s BookNews Recommended Book, Winter 2014
*Canadian Toy Testing Council Recommended Read, 2014
*Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Book for Kids & Teens, Fall 2013
 
Reviews:
“There is a strong message in this book for readers about loving oneself but also accepting that one will change as one grows up. This change does not make anyone less special, but one may have to look a little harder to find what his or her new special qualities and features are. The story is not overly didactic though; instead, it is a warm, realistic expression of how a young person might feel when facing change s/he did not necessarily expect. The plasticine illustrations in this book, in the style of Barbara Reid, are beautiful. In particular, the detail in them is impressive. They are a joy for adults and children alike to explore. “Skink on the Brink is a great book. The story and illustrations are rich and interesting, and the added information and activities at the back of the book enrich the experience of reading this book. It would be a good purchase for all libraries.”
Highly Recommended. **** / 4
— CM Magazine