What if the tiniest creature in the Africa turned out to be the bravest of all?
The Day the Dung Beetle Defeated the Dark is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book that blends adventure, humour, and real science to share with kids that every creature - no matter how small or smelly - has an important role to play.
Scara the dung beetle dreams of being fast like the cheetahs, tall like the giraffes, or strong like the elephants. At school, everyone is eager to boast about their amazing animal family skills... until it's Scara's turn. When her classmates laugh at her, Scara starts to believe that being a dung beetle is the worst thing in the world.
But when Africa's nocturnal animals steal the sun and plunge the savannah into darkness, Scara and her dad reveal their incredible secret powers - reading the stars, navigating the Milky Way, and moving objects thousands of times their own weight. Suddenly, the animals who once teased her must rely on Scara's courage, cleverness, and unique and somewhat unusual dung beetle strengths to bring back the dawn.
Full of heart, humour, and astonishing real-life animal facts, this inspiring animal adventure teaches children:
- Self-esteem, confidence, and not just embracing who you are, but loving who you are too.
- That every creature in nature plays an important role
- The power of teamwork and courage
- Amazing science facts about African animals, nocturnal wildlife, dung beetles, and their role in the ecosystem
With its joyful illustrations, empowering message, and "Science Stuff!" educational section at the end, this book is perfect for:
- Ages 3-7
- Read-aloud story time or early readers
- Classrooms and libraries
- Nature, wildlife, STEM, and science learning
- Kids who love animals, bugs, and adventure stories
A funny, uplifting picture book that proves even the smallest hero can make the biggest difference.
About the Author :
Estelle writes stories inspired by real-life animals and the incredible conservationists working to protect them around the world. The places she visits, the wildlife she encounters, and the people she meets fuel her passion for creating captivating tales that share the wonders of the natural world with young readers. Through her books, she hopes to spark curiosity, inspire care, and encourage children to fall in love with all things wild and wonderful.Estelle is an Assistant Producer at the BBC Natural History Unit, where she has worked on a variety of wildlife and conservation series for the BBC and international broadcasters. Originally from the rugged North Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, she now lives in Bristol. When she's not filming, she can usually be found by the sea with her husband and daughter, indulging her love of surfing-or dreaming up her next book.
