Step into the world of stories, poems, and fascinating creatures with writer and naturalist Zai Whitaker in this online session! Zai will share from two of her recent books – Salim Ali for Children, a warm and lively biography of her grand-uncle, the legendary ‘bird man’ Salim Ali, and Dancing Frogs and Other Creatures in Verse, a delightful collection of poems about some of her favorite animals. From field adventures and mango-loving scientists to hermit crabs “shopping” for shells, this session promises to be full of rare insights, humor, and the joy of discovering nature through words.

Salim Ali for Children brings alive the remarkable life of one of India’s greatest ornithologists and conservationists – his adventures in the field, his love for mangoes, and his inspiring contributions to science. Because Zai knew him personally, the book offers young readers a rare, intimate glimpse into Salim Ali’s life and work.

Dancing Frogs is a collection of poems about some of Zai’s favourite creatures, including chameleons, robber crabs and mongooses. Some of these were her pets, others live at the Croc Bank with her, and still others are creatures she has read or heard about. Their funny habits such as hermit crabs “shopping” for shells to wear, make these poems lively and humorous.

About the speaker : Zai Whitaker is a writer, naturalist, and teacher. She comes from a family of naturalists and writers, and is the grand-niece of Salim Ali, the bird man of India. Her writing spans novels, short stories, poems, articles, and film scripts. Zai has spent decades working in conservation and education, and through her books, she continues to inspire young readers to discover and care for the natural world.