The beetles are the largest group of insects. Beetles have a similar life history to butterflies and moths, i.e. egg, larva, pupa and adult. Larvae and adults possess biting and chewing mouthparts. The beetles are extremely interesting, colourful and varied in shape and size. Their ecological importance is unquestionable and as a consequence there is need to protect them from activities like deforestation and over-cultivation. This book is written to educate people about the beetle. The scarabs are one group of beetles discussed herein.

If one is genuinely nice and helpful the world is likely to be a better place. A person who becomes a soldier takes on responsibility. War claims many lives and leaves many devastated families behind on both sides. In order to cheer everybody up this book was written to enlighten the positive aspects of army life and how important it is to try and be nice, friendly, helpful and courteous. Cassy was one such soldier.

Oscar is a nice friendly ostrich. He is a flightless bird and the largest on earth. This book discusses his life in the wilds of Africa. After hatching, he grew up with his siblings and was privy to numerous animals, birds and other wildlife in the semi-desert, scrub area bordering the Kalahari Desert. His associations with other animals were discussed at length. Ostriches are an important and essential part of an ecological niche as are all animals and plants. Many of them are threatened with extinction and a supreme effort needs to be undertaken to prevent their demise. This book provides a useful read to the teenager interested in animal ecology and welfare.

Present was born in 1975 in a picturesque part of Rhodesia on a farm in the Eastern Border Districts. His rear right leg was injured and his life was saved by a vet who wanted to give Present as a gift to his son for Christmas. This hand-illustrated story, suitable for the teenager reader, describes Present's life in Chipinga and later in Harare, Zimbabwe. It provides a comprehensive account of his behaviour, play, interaction, truants and ends with his illness and death. Glimpses of the incredibly rich flora and fauna of Zimbabwe are described. The book emphasises the need to take care of dogs and to prevent their abuse and mistreatment. If a dog is taken care of it will rewards its owner with true companionship, dedication and loyalty for life. Dogs are extremely adaptable and despite Present's weaker leg, he did not let it interfere with his daily activities and he could run like the wind. Present was a courageous soldier. May he rest in peace!