This
Girl That Girl
by Charlotte Lance (Allen & Unwin
2016)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 9781760291709
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 9781760291709
Reviewed by Jade Harmer
In This
Girl That Girl, Charlotte Lance introduces her two delightful protagonists
through sparing, rhythmic language. Her intricate, whimsical illustrations
perfectly capture their quirky personalities and bring their unique worlds to
life.
This book has a lovely look and feel,
but what I appreciate most about it is the simple but important message it
carries for young girls to be themselves. This girl and that girl are
confident, creative and completely comfortable in their own skin.
The pair might live next door to each
other, but they’re different in so many ways, and that doesn’t bother them at
all. While this girl vacuums leaves, that girl throws them in the air. And
while this girl’s dad tries to fit into a pillowcase, that girl’s dad sorts
coloured gravel, one stone at a time.
The revelation comes when the dads each
decide to build a tree-house. Along with this girl and that girl they tackle
their projects in their own ways, but the resulting structures are surprisingly
similar.
This is a story about the unique paths
we take to get where we’re going that highlights the beauty of individuality. A
fun and engaging picture book for children aged four to seven years that will
have particular appeal to girls.