The New Dog

The New Dog by Chris McKimmie (Ford St Publishing) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 9781922696038

Reviewed by Kerry Gittins

Chris McKimmie has a knack of being able to capture the essence of a story with language and images that are simple yet also have an underlying complexity that goes beyond what is on the page. His latest picture book is no exception.  

In The New Dog we meet Kiddo. Kiddo is very happy with the two snuggly futon beds, the water and food bowls, the king size bed he shares with his humans and the box full of stuff that Teddy has left behind. From this very first page Chris McKimmie reveals another layer to the story and gives us a subtle insight into the reason Kiddo has become part of this family. Kiddo loves to chew, dig, play, bark and eat anything left lying around or within reach on the kitchen bench! He’s also afraid of storms, hates baths and loves lying in the warm patches of sunshine in his yard. All the things you would expect from a loveable canine.

McKimmie’s illustrations are a joy with bright colours and a slightly imperfect perspective that children love and see reflected in their own artwork. There are clever plays on text direction and font changes which add to the fun and involvement for the reader. This warm and engaging story is a must have for anyone who has ever lost a canine friend and then experienced the delight of welcoming a new, playful, mischievous and instantly loveable family companion.

Chris McKimmie is an award-winning writer, illustrator, and artist whose book I NEED A Parrot, won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award in 2020. His stories are always quirky, eye catching and totally relatable for younger readers. The New Dog, aimed at readers aged 4 +, could almost be seen as a sequel to Me, Teddy, the story of the family’s beloved black Labrador, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection of animal stories.

 

Supporting teaching themes could include animals, dogs, loss of a pet, families, and grief.

Colin Cockroach Goes to Caloundra

Colin Cockroach Goes to Caloundra by Chris McKimmie (Ford St Publishing) PB RRP $16.95 ISBN: 9781925804553

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When a roach bomb is set off in his house, Colin Cockroach is forced to run away and hide in a box full of goodies. Little does he know that he and the box are off to sunny Caloundra for an accidental holiday. Although he loves surfing and snacking, not to mention ‘hopping and bopping’ with Kylie the crab at the disco near the bins, Colin misses his family – so he jumps in a hot-air balloon and flies home. Mum and Dad have moved next door, so Colin joins them in their new digs under the sink.

Three-times CBCA short-listed illustrator Chris McKimmie’s inimitable style is immediately recognisable in both his succinct words and his dynamic, hand-drawn illustrations. In this book aimed at kids aged four and older, he tackles the serious concepts of diversity and acceptance in a subtle yet entertaining way, which is sure to grab kids’ attention and get them talking.

Utilising a wide range of materials, from ink and gouache to pastels and acrylic paint, Chris’s eye-catching images are full of funny details for young eyes to discover. The varying textures add dimension and movement to the pages, while the dazzling colour scheme screams ‘Look at me! I’m on holidays!’ 

Colin Cockroach Goes to Caloundra is a little left of centre when compared to other picture books on the market, but kids won’t mind at all. In fact, they will love Colin’s positive attitude and adventurous spirit so much that they will soon be bugging their parents about going on a trip to Caloundra.

I Need a Parrot

I Need a Parrot by Chris Mc Kimmie (Ford Street Publishing) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 9781925804294

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

I Need a Parrot is a picture book full of word play and quirky illustrations that shine. The simplicity of the text in this story allows the visual narrative to sing and play. Just like a comedian says one word, then pulls a face creating laughter. A boy wants and needs a parrot and not anything else. But is this what a parrot wants? What the boy thinks a parrot wants and needs is not the same as a parrot’s needs. That is what this book is all about.

Mc Kimmie has cleverly used visual perspective and white space to great advantage. The voice of the boy is throughout the text and the voice of the parrot is throughout the illustrations. The tone of the whole book is quirky and fun. I particularly love the double spread with no words, and a sky-blue sky with a parrot in the top right-hand corner flying away.

This is a book for children aged 3 to 8 years. It will be well received by both children, parents and teachers. I love that this is a story that is so open, creating lots of thought and imagination. This book shows the genius of a picture book. It tells a story well and leaves the child with much to think about.

Me, Teddy

Me, Teddy by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760291334

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Me, Teddy is instantly recognisable as a new picture book offering from wonderfully quirky author illustrator, Chris McKimmie.

In this, his vibrant, joy-filled scrapbook, Teddy – a big, black Labrador – shares his journey from tiny puppy to boofy-headed dog as a much-loved member of the McKimmie family.

He is cheeky, loyal and adorably comfortable as top dog in a house full of humans where he revels in meal times, shoe theft and snoozing on his half of the king-sized bed.

In his own words, Teddy is no goody-two-shoes, but there’s a strong sense that no matter what mischief he might get into, he will always be loved.

His story is a celebration of unconditional love that is sure to resonate with anyone whose family life has been enriched by a treasured pet.

Me, Teddy oozes warmth and humour, and the drawings of Teddy contributed by family and friends enhance McKimmie’s lively collages and further pull the reader in Teddy’s glorious world.

A feel-good read for the whole family and a must for dog lovers.

Lara of Newtown

Lara of Newtown by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760112325

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Lara of Newtown is a strikingly quirky picture book about a cat trying to find a forever home. Not just any cat, but a beautifully unique, hand-drawn cat in a unique, hand-drawn town.

The first time I read this story I found it so sad, and it is in many ways. Upon a second and third read though, it struck me that this is a story of hope. McKimmie doesn’t pull any punches in conveying the cat’s abandonment. Her loneliness and desire to be loved is palpable. Things might not work out with Nana Banana or Noni Nice, but McKimmie’s endearing feline protagonist ultimately finds her happy place with the eccentric Kafoopses. She is happy as Larry, or Lara, as named by her forever family.

McKimmie tackles themes of identity, belonging and love in such a fresh and imaginative way. His bustling collages and array of erratic font choices can be overwhelming, but hidden elements of humour help to soften the harsh reality of Lara’s situation.

As this story has the potential to evoke many questions and feelings from younger children, and there are many references within the collages with adult appeal, it is a good one to read together. It will leave everyone feeling safe and warm like the lovely Lara, who thinks she is a ‘lucky boots’.