Fly, Mama! Fly! – Anna McGregor

Scribe Publications | Scribble

March 2025

ISBN

9781761381539

AU$19.99

This is just the sweetest little board book for the Smallest of Smalls, just in time for Mother’s Day. But, it’s not just about the cute narrative and adorable illustrations from this talented author/illustrator (and the fun sideways orientation!).

It’s also turning on a spotlight on the grey-headed flying foxes which are a threatened species in the forests of south-eastern Australia. Yes, I live near a couple of very substantial flying fox colonies, and yes, they can make an unholy mess on your washing or your car. But really? Is that the worst thing that’s going to happen to anyone?

These poor critters get such a bad rap what with the mess, the noises and the “OMG they’re full of diseases and they’ll bite you.” [that’s from the same people who panic-bought TP and 30 litres of milk for a potential 2-day cyclone that didn’t happen, I maintain!].

Here’s some legit information from one of our most popular zoologists – and someone for whom we have high regard because of his amazing response and generosity to The Kid back in her ‘zoo’ days.

These guys are the largest bat in Australia and the only one endemic to our continent so they’re definitely important, especially when you consider the tremendous benefits they bring to our ecosytem. Anna McGregor shines a spotlight on these nocturnal lovelies and brings her own unique styling to a charming bedtime story filled with love between mother and offspring.

And this is a little book with a big impact, that will also lead to conversations about looking after our environment and the importance of all living things. As a lifelong fan of purple, this completely hits the right spot for me and to double that joy, is the knowledge that 5% of all profits from sales will go directly to the Australian Conservation Foundation, a long-time recipient of my charity for their stellar work.

Above all, it is Anna’s clever creativity that is both engaging and wondrous – I mean just look at Spiro, which still makes me giggle and is one of my favourites to share with Smalls. If you have an EEC at your school, or perhaps Smallests in your circle, this is going to be a must-have in the lead-up to Mother’s Day, especially with the value-added bonuses of informational backmatter, and tangible support for conservation. Absolutely a 5 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇rating – love it!