Thursday 28 May 2015

Hop up! Wriggle Over!

Hop up! Wriggle Over! by Elizabeth Honey (Allen & Unwin)
PB RRP $19.99
ISBN 9781743319987

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

From the lovely end papers to the bouncy text, you feel with how much care this book has been created.

A cast of Australian animals creates a vibrant family. Mummy Koala and Daddy Big Red Kangaroo have a big family of little bush children ranging from antechinus to quoll, and they show just how warm and loving a diverse family can be. As in many large families there is always something happening and someone wriggling, hopping, or zooming around. This bunch of lively animals seems to enjoy every part of the day from top to tail.

The story pictures a day in the life of what could be a human toddler, from waking up, breakfast to bath time and bedtime stories. The simple watercolour and pencil illustrations give plenty of room to breathe between large patches of well balanced white space. The illustrations exude the movement, fun and cosy chaos of large family domesticity and are utterly adorable.

The spare text which perfectly compliments the gorgeous illustrations consists mainly of onomatopoeia.


Yvonne Mes is a children's author. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

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