Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast retold by Alex Field, illustrated by Helene Magisson (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059809

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

This is a retelling of the well-known fairytale in a picture book format. The text of the story is in large clear type with lots of white space. The pared back narrative occasionally feels more like a story summary than storytelling — however, this simpler format might enable younger readers to have a go at reading the story for themselves.

I’m already a fan of Helene Magisson’s work as an illustrator and her illustrations glow with fairytale magic. The use of birdcages and butterflies in the background to symbolise imprisonment and then freedom will delight the observant child reader. The end papers give an extra twist to this element.

Beauty and the Beast is just one title in the Happily Ever After series and will be in bookshops from 1 March 2017. This is a beautifully presented hardcover book.

About the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and poet. She is the editor of Alphabet Soup’s website and former editor of Alphabet Soup’s print magazine. rebeccanewman.net.au

Matilda Saves Santa Claus

Matilda Saves Santa Claus by Alex Field, illustrated by Sophie Norsa (New Frontier Publishing)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781921928604
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Matilda Saves Santa Claus is a simple Christmas story for preschoolers. Matilda Mouse is poor but leaves the last of her milk and her only mince pie for Santa. What she really desires is a Christmas tree. When she ventures into the forest to search for one, she finds Santa's sleigh trapped in vines. Matilda gnaws and gnaws through the vines until Santa is free to continue his journey.

Matilda returns home exhausted and without a tree but when she wakes in the morning , she discovers not only a beautiful tree in her house but presents galore and a thank you note from Santa.

Young children will enjoy this Christmas story with its simple message of the value of helping others. The plot is uncomplicated and the text sparse making this a book that emerging readers could tackle themselves. The book is well presented with its hard cover and illustrated endpapers and Sophie Norsa's vivid pictures reflect the text and fill the pages with colour and life. I particularly like the double spread when Rudolph and Matilda first meet. Most importantly, the thought that a creature as small as a mouse can save Christmas is a concept that will delight all young readers.

Mr Darcy

Mr Darcy by Alex Field, illustrated by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781921042836
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

As a lover of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice it was a no-brainer I would love Alex Field's picture book Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy is a duck who lives by himself at Pemberley Park 'where the trees blossomed and the lake sparkled'. Although he is lonely he feels too important to accept an invitation to tea from Lizzy and her sisters. Disaster occurs when Mr Darcy falls in a puddle (a little smile crossed my lips with visions of Mr Darcy from the BBC series emerging from the lake!). Lizzy, her sisters and their friends (including Bingley the horse) help free Mr Darcy and, realising the value of friendship, he accepts Lizzy's invitation.

The text and illustrations combine perfectly to bring this delightful story to life. Peter Carnavas once again shows why he is an award-winning illustrator. The illustrations are uncluttered yet full of energy, movement and emotional integrity. Mr Darcy is the stand-out character and his journey is brilliantly portrayed. Plenty of white space keeps the focus on the characters and does not distract the reader, ensuring that the message of the text is conveyed but never in a didactic manner.

Children and parents will both love this gentle and amusing story.