Cloud Conductor

Cloud Conductor by Kellie Byrnes, illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Wombat Books)
https://www.wombatbooks.com.au/index.php/cloud-conductor HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 978-1925563344

Reviewed by Lucinda Gifford

Suitable for children aged 4 to 7 years, this picture book by debut author Kellie Byrnes uses poetic language, and soft, collaged illustrations to sing the joys of daydreaming. Cloud Conductor reminds us that imagination can take us anywhere, especially if our bodies need to rest.

Frankie is an active, lively girl who loves to be outside and, in quieter moments, to sit and contemplate the clouds. When a long illness restricts her to her room, watching the moving, changing skies out her window allows Frankie's imagination to wander, gives her hope, and shows her a way to connect with others.

This sensitive story will inspire young imaginations, and could be a useful tool for teaching children the beauty of being in the moment, and taking time to observe nature.

Gus the Asparagus

Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)

PB RRP: $19.95

ISBN 9780992523992

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

The Green family (made up of a selection of adorable vegetables) love their peculiar little Gus the Asparagus just the way he is. But when Gus starts school it becomes clear that Gus doesn’t quite fit in and doesn’t understand the rules. And now Gus no longer wants to go to school.

Mum takes Gus to the Doctor who diagnoses him with ‘Asparagus Syndrome’. There is relief when everyone finally understands why Gus is different, and how they are able to support him.

This is an attractive book; the illustrations by Ann-Marie Finn, featuring vegetables with googly eyes are fun and strangely endearing.

The page where the vegetables at school are having a rolling competition and Gus tries to roll lengthways made me laugh and it illustrates perfectly just how differently Gus thinks. 

This short picture book has relatable characters for those families who live with a child with Asperger’s syndrome, and especially for the child itself.

The story, inspired Kaylene Hobson’s own experiences, however, is not a story of woe, instead it uplifts and recognises and accepts the eccentricities of the asparaguses’ around us.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Lulu

Lulu by Georgie Donaghey illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)

PB RRP: $17.95

ISBN 9780992523954

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Lulu is a bear with a creative soul needing to be expressed, so she moves from her icy lands to the big city lights. Here she is right at home dancing and singing and being adored by her fans until she realises how much she misses her friends back home. Luckily they know just what to do.

Written in rhyme that doesn’t miss a beat and beautifully illustrated, this adorable bear shows that you can have it all if only you reach for it.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Isaac's Dragon

Isaac's Dragon by Kaylene Hobson, illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9780992523909
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

This charming chapter book with its quirky dragon-loving hero is the first in a series. Isaac is desperate for a dragon. He is convinced they exist, no matter what anyone says or thinks and he is determined to get one, preferably before his birthday. But when even his fairy hunting skills and the tooth fairy are not able to help him, he has to think of another way to get his dragon, and soon, it is almost his birthday!
 
Kaylene Hobson has created an enjoyable character; an optimist with a go-get-em attitude, a big dose of self-confidence, no lack of determination and a unique view of the world. Children will find him admirable and will be able to empathise with his everyday struggles of being a child trying to fit into a world of adult's logic.

I found Isaac's determination, persistence and unwavering self-belief in the face of obstacles  a great read for children who perhaps do not feel as much in control of life, after all Isaac has a solution for everything.

 The illustrations by Ann-Marie Finn compliment the story; she has done a great job bring Isaac's character to life visually.

Isaac's dragon was conceived as a bedtime tale to help Kaylene's son deal with self-confidence issues. I think she has done so superbly and created a fun confidence boosting story for any young reader. It is recommended for ages 4 to 10.

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

My Dad is a FIFO Dad

My Dad is a FIFO Dad by Jo Emery, illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780992523923
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

The author Jo Emery knows about the FIFO family lifestyle intimately. She uses her experience to share this heart touching story with other FIFO families. The first print run sold out fast.
 
The story shows a young girl and her father engaged in fun activities. It moves on quickly to:

               BUT ... A lot of the time my Dad is not at home.

Mum explains why:

               "Your Dad is a FIFO Dad, which means Fly In, Fly Out Dad."

 

Some children will be able to recognise themselves in their relationships with a parent who for whatever reason has to be away for longer periods and offers support by validating children's feelings. The story shows how father and daughter stay connected and maintain their relationship. It also explains the importance of FIFO work in terms a child will be able to understand.

At the back of the book is a page where children can write down where their Dad works and what their favourite things are to do together, though it may have been nice to acknowledge the FIFO mums out there.

The illustrations are hand-drawn and finished digitally, adding a fun collage feel by adding photos in some of the backgrounds. The back cover talks about resilience: 'This book forms the first of many support resources for children and families to build and maintain strength, resilience and unity.'  I like that promise.

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

A Trip to the Moon

A Trip to the Moon by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780992523916
Captain Kieron by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780992523930
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Ann-Marie Finn is a talented Brisbane based illustrator and now author. The two books reviewed here  are dedicated to her children Liam and Kieron who share the same names as the characters in the books.

A Trip to the Moon is a gentle story of Liam who longs to travel to the moon and wonders what it would be like up there. His wish comes true when a rocket suddenly lands outside his house. He and his stuffed toy travel all the way to the moon only to find out the moon isn't quite what he expected it to be.  
 
This story will appeal to young boys and girls with a healthy dose of curiosity and a fascination for the moon, rocket ships and aliens. The illustrations are fun and lively, creating a warm atmosphere with an added visual narrative involving some cheeky aliens. I loved the use of complementary colours with vivid red-oranges and emerald greens, and there was great use of dark and light. The design added to the overall look.

In Finn’s other picture book, Captain Kieron, a little boy day-dreams on the beach. When he goes for a cooling swim in the sea he finds a submarine to take him on an exploration of the ocean. He finds ocean creatures, a sunken shipwreck and haunted pirate treasure. The dream-like quality of the story and underwater adventures make for a fun reading experience.

Again the colours are gorgeous and the illustrations fun and playful. Captain Kieron with its longer text may appeal to slightly older children then A Trip to the Moon, and will be enjoyed by all adventure-loving children.  

Both stories are told in rhyme and follow the same pattern of a little boy, (I expect inspired by two little boys close to Ann-Marie Finn's heart), who go on a dream-like fantastical adventure making the reader wonder at the end if it all really happened.

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