Reneva Fourie: Policy Analyst, (Governance, Security and Development)
Book: Aura in the sky
In her books “Aura in the sky” and “The secret life of poop”, Rene Toesie makes science fun and accessible. She clarifies complex scientific processes related to the functionality of our atmosphere in “Aura in the sky” and the processing of sewerage in “The secret life of poop”. The language used is simple yet entertaining. Children of all ages are drawn to the colourful, captivating illustrations. Adults are drawn to the depth of information and knowledge. The books are every child’s delight, while aptly addressing every adult’s curiosity.
In addition to instilling a love for science, the books also compel us to reflect on the impact of our behaviour on the environment. Climate change has become a meaningless buzz phrase that is uttered by all yet results in few changes in lifestyle. The demystification of terms such as “ozone layer” and the detailing of how our conduct contributes to the various forms of pollution compels reflection and behavioural change. Her books also contribute to building a new generation that will hopefully respect our environment more. Environmental activism takes various forms. Toesie chooses education as her medium of activism. It is a wise choice, because better understanding leads to better compliance.
Theresa Davids Chief: Environmental Health Practitioner (Cape Winelands District Municipality)
Book: The Secret Life of Poop
I found the book to be very interesting. It is not only educational but raises awareness in terms of vandalism, theft, blockages, medical expenses if we do not abide. It makes us more aware of what we cannot see with the naked eye. The different treatments are explained in a simple manner which makes it easy to remember and I am sure that anyone reading the book would be reminded every time they flush the toilet. I would recommend it for senior phase primary school learners.
Theresa Davids Chief: Environmental Health Practitioner (Cape Winelands District Municipality)
Book: Aura in the sky
Very interesting and beautifully designed. Will recommend it for the senior phase. Information shared is simple and the message transferred easily to remember. It's short and keeps the attention not to lose interest. For me, as an adult, it was a nice refresher. Portrays the simple things that we as adults forget.
Grant Ravenscroft: Technical Manager, Air Quality Monitoring
Book: Aura in the Sky
Caitlin Smith: Psychology Student (UWC)
Both books are exceptional books which offers the reader a clear understanding of the different elements thereof. It is an easy read that catches one's attention at the get go, enabling the reader to enhance their educational understanding of the content. Personally, Aura in the Sky was my favourite as I have an interest in how pollution in the air is detrimental to human health. This book therefor enabled me to grasp the meaning and a deeper understanding of what each layer entails and how we as a community can try to decrease pollution so that we can live in a cleaner and greener environment.
Theresa Sass: Chief Librarian, Saldanha Bay Municipality
Book: Aura in the Sky
The story is about a little girl named Aura, who asked the sky, called “Mr Sky” what he is made of as he has so many beautiful colours. Mr Sky offered her a tour of the atmosphere. He takes her to the five different layers of the atmosphere and explain their function.
In chapter two, Aura learns about pollution, what it is, where it comes from. The books explain stationery sources of air pollution and natural sources of air pollution. It further explains how pollution impact on humans and nature.
In the third chapter, Mr Sky introduces Aura to King Ozone who explain how pollution damages the ozone layer and leads to global warming and climate change. King Ozone enlightens Aura on how humans must change their ways fords the Earth to heal.
The books are easy to read and very interesting. All the chapters contain a page with “Important words” and the terms are explained in one-line sentences
The book is printed on high quality glossy paper and the words are printed in bold in an easy to read font. The hand drawn pictures are colourful and further explain the subject.
The book also has a table of contents and each chapter has activities: find the words and two practical activities.Both books are exceptional books which offers the reader a clear understanding of the different elements thereof. It is an easy read that catches one's attention at the get go, enabling the reader to enhance their educational understanding of the content. Personally, Aura in the Sky was my favourite as I have an interest in how pollution in the air is detrimental to human health. This book therefor enabled me to grasp the meaning and a deeper understanding of what each layer entails and how we as a community can try to decrease pollution so that we can live in a cleaner and greener environment.
Theresa Sass: Chief Librarian, Saldanha Bay Municipality
Book: The secret life of poop
The following abstract is printed in front of the book: “The sewer system explained in this story is based on a water-borne system within the South African municipal sewer context. The book is a basic guideline for community awareness and citizen science”.
The story is about a boy called Pepi who uses the toilet and then flushes, and wonders what happens after the flush. This book tells us more about the journey, the treatments and the quality checks poop undergo when we flush.
It tells how Dr. Pooptologist strictly follow the Wastewater Treatment Works Manual, and that poop water must go through three stages of treatment to get it clean. The book clearly explains through text and illustrations the Primary Treatment, Secondary Treatment and tertiary treatment at the wastewater treatment plant.
Also, the story tells us how our human behaviour can obstruct the whole pipeline system. This is done by people's illegal activities like sweeping their rubbish into drains, removing manhole lids. These actions expose us to harmful bacteria, block drains and people can also fall into the manholes.
The book contains two pages with “New words” that are explained in short a short sentence
The book is printed on high-quality glossy paper and the words are printed in bold in an easy-to-read font. The hand-drawn pictures are colourful and further explain the subject.
The book also has a table of contents and a game on the last page.
The story is about a little girl named Aura, who asked the sky, called “Mr. Sky” what he is made of as he has so many beautiful colours. Mr. Sky offered her a tour of the atmosphere. He takes her to the five different layers of the atmosphere and explains their function.
In chapter two, Aura learns about pollution, what it is, where it comes from. The books explain stationary sources of air pollution and natural sources of air pollution. It further explains how pollution impacts humans and nature.
In the third chapter, Mr. Sky introduces Aura to King Ozone who explains how pollution damages the ozone layer and leads to global warming and climate change. King Ozone enlightens Aura on how humans must change their ways fords the Earth to heal.
The books are easy to read and very interesting. All the chapters contain a page with “Important words” and the terms are explained in one-line sentences.
