Alfonso the Giant Anteater

'Alfonso the Giant Anteater' follows in the clawsteps of a five year old giant anteater name Alfonso. Who lives and stars as the lead role in the show that is life on Llanos in Venezuela.

Alfonso takes the reader on a journey through his day to day life in Llanos. This colorful character clearly sees himself as the star of the area. He takes the readers with him to search for termites; he introduces them to a variety of creatures who call Llanos their home. This includes eight capybaras, of which one of these was born in a zoo in Great Britain; Colin. Through Alfonso's point of view an understanding of the rich ecosystem of Venezuela is provided. Alfonso tells it like it is; the good, the bad and the in-between.

The story told, whilst fictional, is based on researched habitat facts, behaviours of anteaters and other creatures who call Llanos their home. The story is told from Alfonso's point of view, in order to build in an awareness of the concept of empathy for the readers. You see the world how Alfonso does. Undertake the interactions that Alfonso does. This includes a frightening one involving Jackson the Jaguar; who sits on the top of the food chain in this area.

Alfonso opens up about life and survival on Llanos, as well as glowing with pride about being the star of the story. Alfonso feels the need to make it clear he is the star due to the fact that there are many capybaras in the story. These large rodents often hog the limelight, but Alfonso is having none of it:

"When, I think you call them tourists come on trips to see the wildlife of Llanos they always spend most of their time watching capybaras. Oh, and taking pictures of them. Even trying to get pictures with them; selfies you call them. Well, in this story and out here; I'm the star."

As you can see from the above, Alfonso is a colourful larger than life character. In his search for termites that includes a meeting with Lucia a Llanos long-nosed armadillo, a theme of peaceful co-existence is explored.

This is the fourth book in the 'Animal Adventures' series, but can easily be read as a standalone book. Whilst the reading age is 7+, this book is perfectly suitable for being read to children of a younger age. This book is designed to entertain, inform and educate readers about the rich ecosystem of Llanos in Venezuela. It is a great introduction to the wonderful creature that is the giant anteater.