Words and interview with Patricia Schonstein: Maryke Roberts
“Hello! My name is Phoebe. When I was little, some children hurt me very badly. I was rescued and loved by kind people. My wounds healed, but I still have scars. I found out that those children hurt me – not because they were nasty – but because no one had ever taught them to be kind to animals.”
It is quite the opening line to a foundation’s website and a children’s book. But then, Phoebe’s story is quite the tale, too. This puppy was brutally tortured and nearly killed by young children on the instruction of their father in Zambia a few years ago. The father, in extreme ignorance, thought the puppy was a witch and was thus responsible for some problems he was experiencing.
Fortunately, a local woman heard the puppy’s cries of pain as she was set alight, and rescued her. She was rushed to a vet and treated for several weeks prior to flying to South Africa for multiple specialist surgeries. The father was charged with animal cruelty and served three months in prison.
The puppy inspired the creation of the Clayton Animal and Children Transformation and Upliftment Society (Cactus Foundation). It was founded by Sarah Clayton. Phoebe is also the hero of the book The Phoebe book of poems for children, written by Patricia Schonstein, a novelist, poet, children’s book author and curator of anthologies; the book is illustrated by Izak Vollgraaff.
That was two years ago. Today, Phoebe travels the country to promote the welfare and healthcare of animals and children and to promote the book. Phoebe lives with Sarah in Johannesburg.
Sarah Clayton, Patricia Schonstein and Natalie Clayton with Phoebe at the McGregor Poetry Festival. Photo supplied.
The book was launched at the McGregor Poetry Festival last year and is the first in a series. Festivalgoers could meet Phoebe, Patricia and Sarah. Says Sarah:
Phoebe’s story is one of heartbreak and hope. Her courage, resilience and affection for all who cared for her was astonishing, and her story reached animal lovers far and wide. The outpouring of grief, concern and help for her was overwhelming.
A growing narrative started to build about the tragedy that is the needless abuse and cruelty inflicted on a being incapable of defending itself. It is within itself incomprehensible; however, there is an equally enormous and insidious tragedy which is young children being instructed to inflict such horrific levels of violence on another sentient being.
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We often get asked why we are focusing on animals, children, education and the environment – instead of possibly just one or two of these. When we consider the case of Phoebe, it is impossible to separate out the animal cruelty from the child welfare issues and the overarching need for people to be educated around incorrect superstitions, animal sentience and the psychological welfare of the children involved.
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The website quotes Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s well-known words: “I have seen first-hand how injustice gets overlooked when the victims are powerless or vulnerable, when they have no one to speak up for them and no means of representing themselves to a higher authority. Unless we are mindful of their interests and speak out loudly on their behalf, abuse and cruelty go unchallenged.”
Sarah continues:
We often get asked why we are focusing on animals, children, education and the environment – instead of possibly just one or two of these. When we consider the case of Phoebe, it is impossible to separate out the animal cruelty from the child welfare issues and the overarching need for people to be educated around incorrect superstitions, animal sentience and the psychological welfare of the children involved.
Unfortunately, issues around animal welfare and animal sentience are perpetuated by pervasive superstitions, by cultural misconceptions which are passed from generation to generation, and in many cases just by pure ignorance. Too often in situations where there is a “comfort” with animal abuse of any kind, violence towards children, woman and other vulnerable people becomes normalised. This has been extensively documented in scientific literature.
We partner with many existing organisations to fulfil these objectives, and we are open to collaboration with all who care about these issues.
The Phoebe book is part of this project. For every book that is sold, one is given to a child who has no books and needs to learn to love animals.
Patricia says: “I joined the project to write books for children that will inspire them to take care of creation and develop a love for animals.”
Patricia drew inspiration from her acclaimed Sing, Africa! Poems and songs for children, with some new items added. She worked on the book for six months and asked Izak to illustrate the book. He is a Cape Town-based artist, illustrator and teacher.
Interview:
Maryke Roberts (MR) and Patricia Schonstein (PS)
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Patricia Schonstein: Sarah Clayton made a podcast with my husband, Don Pinnock, who is an expert on youth at risk. She was looking at the connection between the roots of criminality in childhoods where a love and respect of animals is not nurtured. Don introduced me to Sarah, and we agreed to work together to teach children, through stories and poems, to love animals, nature and the wilderness.
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MR: How did you become aware of the story of Phoebe?
PS: Sarah Clayton made a podcast with my husband, Don Pinnock, who is an expert on youth at risk. She was looking at the connection between the roots of criminality in childhoods where a love and respect of animals is not nurtured. Don introduced me to Sarah, and we agreed to work together to teach children, through stories and poems, to love animals, nature and the wilderness.
MR: This is not your first children’s book, but how did the process differ from your other projects?
PS: No, this is not my first book for children. But the “ethos” in all those I have written is consistent. They all evoke compassion and care and are rich in love of the environment.
MR: The book was launched at the McGregor Poetry Festival last year. What has the reception been?
PS: The book has been very well received. Our first distribution was through direct sales and donations to children and projects that might not have afforded the book. We are now preparing to reprint, and the book will go into retail bookshops. We are also working on an Afrikaans edition.
MR: Where do you start with a book as comprehensive as this one? It focuses on “Hello poems”, “Africa and animals”, “Earth and sea”, “Trees”, “This and that” and “Blessings and peace”. Where do you begin, and then when do you stop including more?
PS: I wanted to give a sense of: “Come with me and let’s look at some wonderful, natural things, and let’s have fun, but let’s also learn together to cherish each other and all living things.” So, the first “voice” belongs to Phoebe as she invites the young reader to travel with her, and the book concludes with her basically empowering the child to take care of the earth.
MR: The book is appropriate for children of all ages, with “read to me” verses for the young ones and, for older children, thought-provoking and challenging ones; but how do you ensure your style stays aimed at young children? Did you have help from a teacher or young mother?
PS: Yes, the book spreads over a range of ages. Its anchor poem can actually be read by adults. It’s a book that can grow with a child. I drew on experience as a pre-school teacher to get the balance right.
MR: Which is your favourite poem?
PS: Hmm. Not good to have a favourite! Maybe the anchor poem, In the beginning.
MR: Do you own a dog, and what is his or her name?
PS: We share our daughter’s dog, Ruba. She has taught us a lot.
MR: Have you worked with Izak before, and how important is the colab between author and illustrator?
PS: Izak illustrated a book for my husband some years back. The colab was easy and smooth. He is great to work with. We wanted the illustrations to be realistic, and we have had excellent feedback. Children love the drawings and poems.
MR: How are sales going, and how many free books have been distributed?
PS: We have donated half the first print run. Sales have been good. We’re now going into retail.
MR: You mentioned that it is the first in a series. Tell us more?
PS: We will soon be releasing the first story books. Phoebe features as a character in them. There is a group of children called the Cactus Crew, and they have various adventures involving animals and earth care. These stories are aimed at 10- to 12-year-olds.
MR: How do schools or organisations go about inviting you and Phoebe?
PS: We can be contacted through our website at https://cactusfoundation.africa/, or I can be contacted directly at patricia@afsun.co.za.
MR: Is Phoebe calm and OK around children?
PS: Phoebe has no axe to grind with humans. She is not afraid of them. Most especially, she’s not afraid of children. It seems she went through a baptism of fire (quite literally) and emerged to take up her ambassadorial role as a spokesperson (spokescanine) for animals and the created world.
The book ends with these incredible words: “Each day is a gift to you. This means you must take hold of the day with both hands and not waste any of it.”
The book is available at: https://cactusfoundation.africa/shop/ and afpress@iafrica.com.
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