Biguana (and his best friend Pinto)
Michael Parkin
Flying Eye Books

Biguana and Pinto hatched from their respective eggs just two minutes apart and have been best friends ever since. However as Iguana grows in size, so does the attention he receives. He revels in this attention and starts performing all manner of acrobatic stunts to gain even more admirers. Unfortunately in so doing, he forgets all about his best friend and even turns down Pinto’s excited invitation to see his new scooter, in favour of his new friends. Imagine how lonely this makes little Pinto feel, especially with Biguana’s popularity growing day by day. It’s a sad Pinto who scoots off to do some tricks alone; or so he thinks. Suddenly a small crab starts to clap its claws, seagulls cheer his somersaults and they all splash happily into the sea.

The following morning, Biguana waits on his rock contemplating the multitude of boats that will soon arrive to watch his stunts. Yes, a lot of boats do come but the crowds of people aboard are not cheering and calling for Biguana. A sudden realisation dawns: I’ve been so foolish, he thinks to himself, poor Pinto must have felt like this when I was showing off. Time to put things right between the two of them, but despite his diminutive size, will Pinto be big-hearted enough to accept an apology from Biguana?

Fame and fortune can be short-lived and are no substitute for the lasting nature of true friendship – that’s the lesson Biguana learns in this story. Michael Parkin’s scenes of the couple’s comical capers and the flotilla of fans provide plenty to chuckle over as the story unfolds.
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