FEBRUARY BOOK & DVD REVIEWS

For Children:

BOOKS: • My First Book of Southern African Ocean Life. Another in the "My First Book" series, Southern African Ocean Life is a wonderful addition to your child's home or school library. Over 50 different sea creatures, familiar to South African waters, are depicted, one per page. Each animal carries a short, interesting description (in four different languages), a picture, and a diagram of where it swims in the ocean. A key at the beginning of the book gives a succinct description of what to expect on each page. Published by Random House Struik. Cost: R90.

• Creepy Crawly Caterpillar & the Butterfl y Inside. This very sweet book tells the story of Creepy Crawly Caterpillar who's fed up with who she is and wants to be different. One by one, each of her friends tells her that, in time, she will change and that she should simply be patient and happy with who she is now. Sure enough, Creepy Crawly does change! The book contains meditation and breathing exercises, and some yoga postures that relate to the story. Written by Tamar Dakes and illustrated by Joanne Marsden. Published by Beaming Kids. Cost: R90.

DVDs: • Kung Fu Panda 2. Life is by no means easy since Po Ping became the Dragon Warrior. In this adventure, Po must fight off an evil Peacock to save China from the demise of kung fu. While doing this he must also fi nd himself, work out where he came from and fi nd inner peace. Lots of fun and action with friends in tow. A NuMetro release.

For Adults:

BOOKS: • One Day at a Time is the true story of Susan Lewis whose mother died when she was only nine. Thinking it to be in her best interests, Susan's father sends her to a boarding school which she absolutely hates. The story shows Susan growing up and dealing with puberty without a mother, making friendships, meeting boys and getting into more and more trouble in a desperate attempt to be sent back home to live with her father and younger boy. Touching but not mushy, One Day at a Time is an easy and engaging read. Published by Random House Struik. Cost: R115.

DVDs: • Bridesmaids. Annie (Kristen Wiig) is appointed maid of honour for her best friend's wedding. Annie's working class life is a bit of a mess but she is spurred on to do her best (or worst!) for her friend when a posh friend enters the picture and tries to take over the role of maid of honour. As the competition heats up Annie's antics go from bad to worse, making for some hilarious viewing. A sweet romance with an Irish cop adds to the mix. Very enjoyable. A NuMetro release.

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