Puppy Playtime 1,2,3

Puppy Playtime 1,2,3 by Celeste Walters and Adele Jaunn (Little Hare Books)

ISBN 978-1-742977-16-4

PB RRP $14.95 

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

On the surface, this picture book by author Celeste Walters and illustrator Adele Jaunn simply rhymes its way up to ten and back, accompanied by cute illustrations of puppies playing. However, that isn't all there is, not by a long way. There's also an element of mystery, education about different dog breeds and a huge variety of verbs. Then (although this reader wasn't observant enough to notice it on the first read through) there's also a 'spot the bone' activity. This is a book with a lot of things to keep young children busy!

Billy the Bitzer has hidden his bone and is worried the other puppies are going to find it. First one puppy comes racing and chasing, then two romping and stomping, up to ten, when Billy the Bitzer is feeling unhappy and snappy. No wonder. So he decides to get rid of the puppies, one by one. First he starts grunting and growling, then hooting and howling, until there's one little puppy, sneaking and peeking … who finds the bone. And it's been in view the whole time.

The different breeds of puppy are depicted beautifully by Adele Jaunn, who also illustrated Baby Bilby's Question by Sally Morgan. A poodle, a collie, a samoyed, a great dane and others. All have joyful, inquisitive expressions on their furry faces. Each page is covered with happy little dogs, always on the move, as puppies are. In fact the illustrations convey movement extremely well and this is a real strength of the book.

Celeste Walters has written several books for young adults and children, including A Certain Music. Puppy Playtime 1,2,3 uses repetition with skill and clever rhyming. Lots of fun for adults and kids to enjoy together, this is a book can that can be re-read, with something different to notice each time.

Review: Bernard’s Plane Trip

Bernard’s Plane Trip written and illustrated by Adele Jaunn (Working Title Press)
 PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9781921504563
Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

Bernard is going on his first plane trip. He is so excited he has butterflies in his stomach. But there are so many things to do before the plane lands and he sees his best friend.

This is an ideal book for the introduction of young children to all that air travel involves. The cute character of Bernard, a large dog, makes for very appealing illustrations. From going through security to patiently waiting for his flight to be called. Once on the plane poor Bernard finds it hard to fit into his seat, and going to the toilet is a very tight squeeze…he is after all not a poodle.

The book is full of useful information, told in a very calming and reassuring manner. The sweet illustrations, softly created in watercolour and water colour pencils, adds another sense of reassurance. There is nothing sharp or harsh, unsympathetic to the overall feeling of calm that this book generates.  And the final page when Bernard meets his best friend and they hug is just delightful.

The little bee that also comes along on the journey is an added bonus. I especially loved the image of him sleeping on the moon. It creates another level of the story for the children reading.

A great book for parents planning a plane trip with young children. It shows step by step each process, in a relaxed and entertaining manner.