Ellie Phant: Perfectly Imperfect

Ellie Phant: Perfectly Imperfect by Mary Anastasiou, illustrated by Daron Parton (Five Mile Press) HB ISBN978192328690

This is an empowering and heartwarming picture book for readers aged 6 to 8 years that tells the story of Ellie Phant, a confident, and joyful elephant who radiates inner strength. Despite her playful self-assurance, Ellie begins to question her unique style and overweight body when her friends suggest otherwise. However, Ellie is not alone in questioning her body size: other animals such as the thin-armed sloth, the ultra-tall flamingo, the short-legged badger and the far-too-small mouse, all have body image problems, too.

‘Now, listen up,’ she told them. ‘This silliness must cease. Quiet down those inner whispers and give your heart some peace.’

Thus, this relatable journey explores themes of self-acceptance, body positivity, and staying true to oneself.

The illustrations by New Zealand resident, Parton, are in a limited palette with a predominance of pinks, greens and blues.

Good Gnus

Good Gnus written by Phil Cummings, Illustrated by Daron Parton (Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN 9781761203206

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Good Gnus by duo Phil Cummings and Daron Parton is a playful and spirited picture book with a fun play on words that follow two gnus through their daily antics.

Parton’s vibrant illustrations complement Cummings' rhythmic text, bringing to life the gnus’ lively energy off the page. Each page is a visual burst of fun that makes it an ideal out-loud-read for adults and educators alike.

Good Gnus isn’t just entertaining, it has educational value. It introduces young children to the rhythms of daily routines and to the joy of playful language which fosters a love of reading and creativity.

The book’s ability to engage young readers while teaching important concepts makes it a valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf.

Recommended for children aged 3 years and up.

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race by Sophie Sayle, illustrated by Daron Parton (Hachette Australia) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9780734421821 

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

The Easter Bilby has left some eggs for the bush babies to decorate. Wombat, Bandicoot and Kangaroo find some things in the bush to paint the eggs, but Echidna is still asleep – so her friends share their colours. When the egg-and-spoon race begins, Echidna trips and ‘her egg rolls away’. Luckily, Kangaroo bounds back and says that she will carry Echidna in her pouch. Kangaroo jumps to the front, but it is Echidna who ‘is the winner by a nose’.

Ideal for kids aged three to six, Sophie Sayle’s simple story offers a delightfully Australian twist to the traditional egg-and-spoon race that is often held as part of Easter festivities. The importance of sharing with and caring for others shines as bright as the sticky yellow clay that Wombat uses to decorate his egg, and it is clear that friendship is the real winner on the day.

Daron Parton has used a light hand with the pastel illustrations, and this perfectly mirrors the tone of the text. The bush babies are suitably cute, with enormous eyes that draw young readers into the book.

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race makes a superb Easter gift, but the focus on the race ensures that this story will be read throughout the year. Littlies will love to cheer on all of the small bush babies – but especially sleepy little Echidna.

Chatterpuss in Deep Water!

Chatterpuss in Deep Water! by Josh Pyke, illustrated by Daron Parton (Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 978176112089

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Chatterpuss is back, and Glenn still can’t get a moment of peace. The hen decides that ‘a place to go with no commotion’ is beneath the ocean – surely Chatterpuss can’t talk under water? But she has forgotten one very important thing: hens can’t swim! Chatterpuss tries to save Glenn, but she can’t swim either. Fortunately, as she shouts and gargles, Chatterpuss begins to make bubbles that carry the two friends back to shore.

In his second Chatterpuss book, singer–songwriter Josh Pyke adds a wave of watery hilarity to the odd-couple friendship between a chatty cat and a quiet hen. Kids aged three to seven will adore the rollicking rhymes interspersed with Chatterpuss’s manic monologues, as well as the page-turning action. They’ll come away from the book with a clear understanding that sometimes a so-called negative trait can be a blessing in disguise.

Utilising a bright palette, Daron Parton’s cartoon-like illustrations perfectly match the cheerful tone of the text. The contrast between the ginger cat and the deep blue sea is particularly eye-catching, and littlies will giggle every time they see Chatterpuss’s googly eyes pop out of the pages.

Chatterpuss in Deep Water! is a flood of fun from start to finish. As youngsters bob along, enjoying the story, they’ll learn to celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make people unique, and the generosity of spirit that defines a true friend.

Chatterpuss

Chatterpuss by Josh Pyke, illustrated by Daron Parton (Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760976491

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

‘Chatterpuss will talk all day, with nothing much of note to say.’ Poor Glenn puts up with her feline friend ruining their games of hide and seek, their birdwatching expeditions and their trips to the library, all because Chatterpuss is constantly talking. One day Glenn has had enough and tells Chatterpuss to ‘hush!’, so the cat leaves her alone. But before Glenn can enjoy the silence, a bully called Graham starts mocking her for having no friends. Chatterpuss comes to the rescue, gabbing at Graham from everywhere until he is completely dizzy and defeated.

 

An award-winning singer–songwriter, Josh Pyke ensures that his quirky rhyming story has a musical quality when read aloud. Kids aged three and older will love the juxtaposition of the two very different friends, and how they manage to find common ground. They will also adore the hilarious stream of consciousness that emanates from Chatterpuss as she explores the world around her with great wonder. 

Daron Parton’s brightly coloured illustrations will attract youngsters and keep them glued to the spreads. His dynamic, googly-eyed characterisation of Chatterpuss adds a whimsical layer to the story, and contrasts beautifully with the quietude of Glenn’s brown roundness.

Sure to elicit plenty of giggles from littlies as they turn the pages, Chatterpuss is a fun tale about the nature of true friendship. It offers a gentle nod to the understanding, compromise and acceptance required to maintain any close relationship.

Chatterpuss in Deep Water!

Chatterpuss in Deep Water! by Josh Pyke, illustrated by Daron Parton (Scholastic) RRP HB $17.99 ISBN 9781761120893

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Chatterpuss, the always chatty but lovable feline, has returned in a new picture book. Her opposite bestie, Glenn the hen, is also back and is STILL craving some peace and quiet. To have a break from the incessant prattle, Glenn organises for the pair to have a tranquil day of ocean diving… surely Chatterpuss can’t talk underwater! Regrettably, the outing doesn’t go as planned and it is far from a peaceful experience.

Chatterpuss in Deep Water! is the second book in this fun series about a loquacious cat. The rhyming text and bright bold cartoon illustrations make it an entertaining read aloud for an audience aged 3 years and older.

Chatterpuss

Chatterpuss by Josh Pyke, illustrated by Daron Parton (Scholastic Australia) ISBN 9781760976491 HC RRP $17.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Chatterpuss is very noisy cat chattering all day to her quiet best friend Glenn a chicken. Despite their very different natures the friends play lots of games together although Chatterpuss does spend a great deal of time talking, often too loudly especially at the movies. Glenn is a patient and kind friend but one day it becomes too much and Chatterpuss is told to be quiet! However, very shortly after Graham the bully arrives and threatens Glenn. Chatterpuss saves the day by talking so much and so quickly that Graham is overwhelmed and departs. Chatterpuss and Glenn are still friends, but Glenn has found a great compromise!

With bright modern illustrations, this title with strong themes of friendship, difference, and bullying, will be popular with families. This author/ musician has already published several picture books so parents and children will be familiar with the rhyming text and humour of this latest title. Recommended for ages 4 years and older.

Bedtime is Boring

Bedtime is Boring by David Campbell and Daron Parton (Scholastic Press) RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760976507

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Bedtime is Boring is another picture book by David Campbell and Daron Parton with a theme that parents can relate to. Stupid Carrots was about having a child who is a fussy eater. Bedtime is Boring, looks at the antics of a child refusing to go to bed.

The design elements of this book are eye-catching and bright, from the fluorescent orange cover and yellow end pages. The illustrations by Daron Parton, like the earlier book, are clean and simple with no fussy backgrounds.

Billy is a young rabbit who has decided he does not want to go to bed, even when his parents insist. He has too much to do and no time for sleep. This scenario is something every parent has gone through. I don’t think David Campbell was as successful with Bedtime is Boring as it lacked some of the clever humour in Stupid Carrots.

Bedtime is Boring is a picture book that can be enjoyed by parents and children alike. I recommend this book for preschool and early school aged children.

Stupid Carrots

 

Stupid Carrots– by David Campbell and Daron Parton (Scholastic Press) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760970024

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Stupid Carrots is a picture book with a theme every parent can relate to -- having a child who is a fussy eater. From end page to end page, this book is beautifully designed. The colour palette is appealing, and the illustrations are clean and simple with no fussy backgrounds. The text and illustration both work to enhance the other in this delightful picture book.

Betty is a young rabbit who has decided that carrots are stupid, and she does not like them, and she will not eat them. Her attempts at convincing her parents of this fact are amusingly flawed and absolutely typical of my own children’s attempts to avoid food they had never tried but were still convinced they hated.

Stupid Carrots is a book that can be enjoyed by parents and children alike. The entire team who put this book together have done a wonderful job. I definitely recommend it for preschool and school-aged children. It is a fun attention grabber, sure to leave them laughing.

Dinosaur Disco

Dinosaur Disco by Deborah Kelly, illustrated by Daron Parton (Random House)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-0-85798-136-3

Reviewed by Jaquelyn Muller

I can easily see a run of dinosaur onesies flying off the shelves, as kindergartens and foundation classes stage their own dinosaur discos, thanks to this fun, rhythmic story by Deborah Kelly and Daron Parton.

I can’t imagine trying to work tricky dinosaur names into a flowing, engaging rhyme, but Kelly has created an entertaining and educational text that will delight younger readers.

The fully bled pages of illustrations by Parton beautifully represent each dinosaur character. The bright textural pages delightfully place them in a social scene that assists with understanding dinosaur characteristics like size, diet and physical attributes. 

Kelly has understood this age group’s love of music and movement by creating a disco setting, allowing for humorous images involving flared pants, gold chains and polyester shirts, now thankfully as extinct as the animals wearing them. The facts at the end of the book will make this a great addition to classrooms and give plenty of opportunities for further learning and discovery.

Clear, large text makes the rhyme easy to read among the rich bright palette of aubergine, orange, green and red and the sprinkling of light across each page keeps us under the ‘mirror ball’ throughout the book.

Deborah Kelly’s previous titles include The Bouncing Ball, Jam for Nana and Haiku Journey. She will be releasing Ruby Wishfingers in 2016 with Wombat Books. Daron Parton’s alphabet book Alligator in an Anorak was released in October 2014.

Zoo Train

Zoo Train by Sally Sutton, illustrated by Daron Parton (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9781922179876

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This is a humorous rhyming and rhythmic sing-song tale of a trip through the zoo on a train. The family has brought a picnic lunch with popcorn, juice, and cake. It’s a cold day but that doesn’t matter. Everyone is rugged up.

It’s all so exciting passing through the different areas, seeing all the big animals in their environment. The train goes past a monkey’s cage being cleaned out by the keepers. Have they shut the cage door properly?

Water falls on the boy’s head. His ears are cold. It seems to be snowing but only on him.  Why if he’s wearing a hat?  They have reached their destination and everyone gets out. His pants seem too big. They won’t stay up. What’s going on?

It’s time for a snack. The lunch bag is empty! The food is not the only thing missing. They go back the way they came in search of the missing items. The animals are enjoying the picnic lunch, wearing the boy’s hat, scarf and belt. Who and where is the culprit?

This simply has to be read aloud. The sounds and rhythm move to a musical beat. The illustrations in mixed media are striking and the characters’ expressions speak for themselves. Young readers will love listening to this, while following the pictures and guessing who the guilty animal is. There is so much to see on every page. It’s a visual feast ideal for readers 3+ years.