Waiting for Hugo

Waiting for Hugo by Amanda Niland, illustrated by Claire Richards (Windy Hollow Books)
HC RRP $ 25.95
ISBN 9781922081216
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Amanda Niland has chosen an interesting subject for her book. Delicately handled and presented, this book shows that being different isn’t always a bad thing.

Hugo is four. But he knows that the neighbour’s wall has 392 bricks; that the trolley bay holds 52 trolleys, and the store’s refrigerator holds 487 bottles of milk. Hugo loves to count.

But it’s hard for his sister to wait while Hugo finishes counting. Nothing can make him hurry. So she waits and waits. She wishes he didn’t count all the time.

In rainbow watercolour illustrations and pen, and in carefully chosen text, we view the two sides of Autism Spectrum Disorder: the gifted side that belongs to Hugo, and the view of his behaviour by his sister, who loves Hugo dearly, but finds understanding his habits difficult. This is a title that should be found in all libraries and schools. It reflects on how some children are different and it’s this difference that makes them unique.

Imagine We Were

Imagine We Were by Renee Bennett, illustrated by Claire Richards (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-63-8

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

On first impressions this book is inviting, it begs for you to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed when I did. It is not only beautifully illustrated but beautifully written. A rhyming adventure for a mother and her baby, they imagine themselves to be a variety of animals always a mother and baby with the mother confirming her love.

The author Renee Bennett has managed, in a simple rhyme, to express a very important message, and one that shared by parent and child would make this book a favorite.

Claire Richards, the illustrator has illustrated six books. She works in watercolour, coloured pencil and crayon. The illustrations in this book are peaceful and comforting yet still loose, colourful, and full of fun.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com