The Adventures of Pipì the Pink Monkey

The Adventures of Pipì the Pink Monkey by Carlo Collodi, retold and expanded by Alessandro Gallenzi, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Alma Books) PB RRP $­19.99

ISBN 9781847495594

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

Lovers of Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio will be thrilled to see this beautiful fairytale translated into English for the first time. In fact, Pipì, a mischievous monkey with a passion for copying humans, is a lot like his famous wooden predecessor:

‘*I won’t do it again,” he added, looking up with eyes that said the exact opposite.’

Pipì breaks a promise to his father and leaves the safety of the forest. When a crocodile bites off his tail, he feels too ashamed to go home. A series of crazy adventures ensue, leading him to Master Alfred, a boy who wants Pipì to be his personal servant. Pipì promises to stay with him, but sneaks out of the house that night to bid his family farewell. Ticklythroat, an evil bandit with a promise of his own to keep, catches him.

Just as Pinocchio’s nose returned to size when he stopped lying, Pipì got his tail back when he kept his promise. But though Pinocchio got his wish to become a real boy, Pipì decided he’d rather stay a monkey.

The story of Pipì was written immediately after Pinocchio and is connected to it in a few ways – some obvious, others less so. Readers will no doubt recognise the mischievous monkey’s dishonesty and disobedience, along with the zany adventures. Appearing in both stories is the Turquoise Fairy, who guides Pinocchio and Pipì with her wisdom. The greatest connection lies in the character of Master Alfred though, who (in one giant clue) even reads ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi’ to Pipì. Though not explicitly stated in the story, an amusing letter by Collodi to his fans (included in the back of the book) reveals Master Alfred to be Pinocchio himself!

The endearing illustrations by Axel Scheffler (illustrator of The Gruffalo) are immediately recognisable. Inside, they appear classically, in sepia, though Pipì is delightfully coloured pink throughout. The book includes a section at the back with background information about the story, a list of famous fictional apes, a short quiz and a glossary of ‘monkey language’. This story will appeal to children aged 8–11 years, though any fan of Pinocchio will appreciate it.

Pip and Posy: The Little Puddle

Pip and Posy: The Little Puddle written and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Nosy Crow)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-0-85763-078-0
Reviewed by Ann Harth (www.annharth.com )

It’s a rainy day and Pip and Posy have to play inside. But that’s okay, because best friends have fun wherever they are. They take their babies for a walk, build a town and pretend to be lions.

Pip is so busy playing, he forgets to use the toilet and a little puddle appears. Posy lets him borrow some clothes and they play a bit more. Pip doesn’t forget the next time. He uses the toilet all by himself!

The Little Puddle is part of a series of Pip and Posy picture books for the very young. Life can be a challenge when you’re 2 or 3. In this series, Axel Scheffler portrays the joy of friendship and the troubles of toddlers with a gentle touch and satisfying resolutions.

Children between the ages of 1 and 4 will identify with these lovable characters who go through the same struggles any toddler does. Scheffler’s vibrant illustrations and simple language will appeal to young children as they are invited to share Pip and Posy’s often familiar experiences. An additional feature of the Pip and Posy books is the free audio reading. It can be accessed by scanning the QR code inside the front cover with a smart phone.

Axel Scheffler was born in Germany but now lives in London. He is probably best known for his beloved classic, The Gruffalo which has sold over 2 million copies all over the world. Although he has received many awards for his work, the first award he ever received for his artwork was a cuddly purple cow. For more information on Axel Scheffler and Pip and Posy, please visit http://worldofpipandposy.com/axel-scheffler.

Ann Harth is a published children's author and writing tutor at Australian College of Journalism. She loves to read and is committed to creating children's literature that inspires, entertains and triggers a tiny twist in the mind. Her latest middle-grade novel, The Art of Magic, was released in 2012. 

Superworm

Superworm by Julia Donaldson, illustration by Axel Scheffler (Scholastic UK)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-407132– 04-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

“Superworm is super-long.
Superworm is super-strong.
Watch him wiggle! Watch him squirm!
Hip, hip, hooray for SUPERWORM!”

I adore the combination of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and look forward to each new book with set high expectations. Superworm does not disappoint. Once again Donaldson has perfect rhyme and metre making it a pleasure to read out loud. Scheffler’s familiar illustrations are delightful, full of humour colour and life.

Superworm is a friend to all in the garden. He helps out anyone who is in trouble in the most inventive ways:

Help! Disaster! Baby Toad
Has hopped on to a major road.
“Quick! Whatever can we do?”
Look – a Superworm lasso!

But who will help him when he is in trouble? Well, everyone of course.

The simple message of the importance of helping out your friends no matter how small and powerless you feel is entertainingly brought across through the text and illustrations. Superworm is carried off by Wizard Lizard and his servant crow. His friends from the garden rally together to rescue their superhero and the plan is ingenious and unusual.

Young children will relish the small amount of danger, knowing a happy ending is coming. And they will love to explore the garden’s tiny world of insects, bugs and small creatures. There is a page dedicated to illustrations of the Superworm in various contortions: - a swing, a hoola-hoop, a hat, a crane – and children with patience and good eyes may even spot the Gruffalo. The language is lively and repetitive, just as young children love it.

Toddlers from a young age will love this story and its complexity will keep children up to early primary age amused as well.