Lion Scream – by Robbie Cheadle

On By ResaIn Book Reviews

I thought I knew what was happening to earth’s animals. Now I know what I knew, but better.

Through the use of syllabic poetry, photography, video and text, Robbie takes us on a learning tour of South Africa’s creatures and their environment. I even learned a new term: Sixth Mass extinction.

I don’t know much about poetic structures, but I know what poetry I like when I read it. I like all of Robbie’s  poems, even when the message is haunting.

I also know I love animals. Please enjoy Robbie’s videos! They are only a few seconds long.

Robbie teaches about the BIG FIVE: Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Leopards and African Buffalo.

Did you know Rhinos cry tears when poachers dehorn them?

It’s sad that when teaching about animals we need to teach also about their impending demise. Back away, or put your head in the sand and be part of the problem!

Did you know there are White Lions? They are not albino, but rather white due to “a recessive trait called leucism.”

Robbie has confirmed that the lion at the foot of the tree in the following video of a “Lion in a Tree”, is a white lion. She also says that she has never seen a lion climb a tree before. Imagine having seen enough lions in your life that you could make that statement?

Living in captivity is necessary for survival of many. This baby leopard is so cute, a delight to witness.

Robbie teaches about the UGLY FIVE:  Warthog, Vulture, Wildebeest, Marabou Stork and Hyena.

There are many other mammals included in her book: Cheetahs, Wildebeests, Tigers, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Jackals, Antelope, Monkeys, Giraffes, Lizards, Flamingos and more.  She does not forget insects, sunflowers, bushes, fires and all that contribute.

“The Nutcracker” is a short story at the end of the book that for me tied my experience together. Yes, this book is an experience, not just a read.

I would have gluttonously included all of her videos in this post, but have controlled myself. You can find her African Animal videos on her Youtube Channel.

Robbie’s Youtube Channel

Click on Robbie’s pic below to visit Robbie on her blog, and connect to her other blogs.

Click on “Lion Scream” book cover to buy it on Amazon.

Roberta Eaton Cheadle aka Robbie Cheadle; click on her bio below and see all of her books on Amazon.

136 thoughts on “Lion Scream – by Robbie Cheadle”

  3. Hi Resa, thank you so much for this beautiful post. As always, it is a visual journey and delight. I really appreciate how you have interpreted and shared the message in this book. The Nutcracker was intended to highlight the impact of the sixth mass extinction and climate change on human youngsters. An attempt to demonstrate that humanity doesn’t stand apart from the animal kingdom. We are part of it and it’s demise impacts heavily on us too.

    1. You wrote a wonderful book, Robbie. I’m honoured to have read it.
      The animal videos are the perfect addition to all you write of.
      I was pleasantly surprised by “The Nutcracker”. You drove the message home perfectly.

      We are definitely part of the animal kingdom. All life is in this together.
      Thank you for taking the time to write this book.
      I believe you said Michael and yourself will be touring a different area of Africa later this year.
      I look forward to more videos, and whatever else your inspiration leads you to.

    1. Thank you, Merril!
      I believe Robbie said this book will be in some of the schools in S. Africa.
      Every little bit helps.

    1. Thank youTim!
      Agree, the animal videos are terrific. I adore the baby leopard and the spider….. a little Spunkie-Too. xx

        1. Hahaha!
          I shouldn’t laugh. He’s probably descended from a mighty line of black panthers. I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.
          Tell Loki how sleek and beautiful he is… for me! xx

          1. Timothy Price

            Loki is a sweetheart. He’s the most consistent kitty to sleep with me throughout the year.

            1. Aww, I love that. Jeep sleeps with me every night. Spunkie-Poo 💋 better watch out! Loki-Pie 🤗 might move in on his territory.

              1. Timothy Price

                Spunk bullies Loki. Loki will be snuggled up on me and Spunk will launch a missile attack on Loki. I end up all scratched up.

                1. Hahaha! Of course Spunkie-Poo 💋 launches attacks. Of course you get scratched up.
                  Well, give Loki-Pie a hug for me! A few for Spunkie-Poo 💋 too! xx

        1. Lol! I have to tell you; I woke up in the middle of the night wondering if I had written a review, or just made a list of fantastic animals.
          You cover so many, and all needed!

    1. Dahling 💫
      Thank you!
      Tell Hera how much everyone here cares about the animals.
      I know she’ll spread the word.
      xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽

      1. She loves spreading the word!
        She also loves sending you lots and lots of kisses, so I hope you’re prepared!!!!!
        xoxoxoxo🐾xoxoxoxo🐾xoxoxoxo🐾xoxoxoxo🐾xoxoxoxo🐾xoxoxoxo🐾xoxoxoxo

    1. Thank you, Dave!
      The videos are terrific. I love Robbie’s use of several creative forms of expression to put her message across. It’s very effective. 🙂

    1. Dear John,
      Thank you! Robbie wrote a great book. It’s not big, but it’s powerful.
      It is so neat that our blog community knows someone in S. Africa, to bring their POV to us.
      OX OX OX OX

                    1. Ummm… try about 100 hands.
                      Of course we do have the mini OXen!
                      Hey, what about a sponge with an OX on it? OR a sponge in the shape of an OX?
                      Now, with my final OX, that = 4!!!!

                    2. Not sure a sponge and OX are compatible. The OX won’t fit on the sink. You can’t squeeze the OX. The OX doesn’t bounce when it drops on the floor. (That’s four for me as well)

                    3. Uh huh!
                      Sew, we’re playing hard 📦-b are we?
                      I can be pretty 🦊+y -f&y.
                      I’m a shoe in to win this with 👞-ford.
                      Times up! ⏰⏰ – cl.
                      That’s 4 for you!
                      (homonyms count)

      1. Very interested in stories like these. Happy to see it on your site.
        I’m sad to report the tortoise is no longer with us. It was discovered surprisingly dead one morning. Nothing could be done for it.
        Local authorities said to leave it alone someone might be out. No one came.

        1. Aww… & no one came. Such is how much concern there is for wildlife.
          I’m happy (s)he was there for the time it was.
          It seems like a nice place. {{hugs}}

  13. Beautifully done, Resa. This heartfelt post is so much more than just another book review. Robbie never fails to amaze and impress me. I agree with you completely about this book. Congrats to Robbie on this review. Hugs to you both.

  14. Excellent review (and more!) of Robbie’s book. I went and bought my copy after reading this, and I know I will cry as I am sensitive toward animals (and toward so many things, it seems!)

    1. Hi Christy, thank you for your interest and support. There are a couple of poems that are quite hardcore, but a lot of them are reflections of the wonder of nature and all its creatures.

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  22. What a great review! Those videos are the coolest. I shall have to get to reading this one. Thanks for the heads up and congrats to Robbie!

  23. Awesome review, Resa! I loved Robbie’s book, but it was also an eye-opener to the plight of the animals. I love all animals, so to read about their suffering really pains the heart. But I also enjoyed the delightful pictures she painted with her poetry. 🩷

    1. Lauren!
      Yes, Robbie’s poetry paints many pictures in this book. She brought today’s S. Africa into my home.
      Excuse me, but I have to go feed my wildebeests! 😉😘

    2. Hi Lauren, thank you for your lovely comment. I did include some quite hard hitting poems and information, but I tried to counter it with all the wonderful things about southern African wildlife. Thank you too for your wonderful review.

  25. Pingback: Roberta Writes – A wonderful review of Lion Scream by Resa

  27. Wow, what a most beautiful and all inclusive review for Robbie’s beautiful book. I so look forward to reading. And congrats again to Robbie! ❤

    1. Hi Debby, Resa has created a beautiful visual review. Thank you for reading and commenting. A few of the poems in Lion Scream are quite heart wrenching, especially the one about the crying rhino that Resa mentioned here. Many of them are much lighter and informative about Southern African flora and fauna.

    2. Debby,
      It’s a moving book. The world needs it, and Robbie wrote it. She is definitely to be congratulated!
      It was a joy to write this review.
      I know my reviews are different, but I don’t really know how to write one. Lol!
      Hey… your book is next on my reading table.
      I’m excited to read it.
      I’m taking a bit of a break, as I just did a post on Art Gowns.
      I’ll probably start reading it this weekend. I’m a turtle reader…so give me a bit of time.
      I’ll be reviewing it here. Goodness only knows what I’ll come up with to celebrate it!
      xo❤xo

      1. Lol, you’re so funny. I love your reviews and your own unique way of writing them. Variety is the spice of life. I’m stoked you’re going to read my book, and please, no need for a timeline, we all get there in our good time. Hugs ❤ xx

  31. An awesome review and feature of Robbie’s book, Resa. I’m so glad I caught it. This was the best summary of the book I’ve read yet: “…this book is an experience, not just a read.” Absolutely. Thanks for sharing your magic here and huge congrats to Robbie. The only thing missing is a gown! Hehe. Hugs to you both. ❤ ❤ ❤

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