First Flight

First Flight written and illustrated by David Miller (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781921504570

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

  

‘Dawn broke as sleepy night animals

snuggled down in their nests.

But laughing kookaburras called Joey,

the little glider, outside.’

And so begins little Joey’s first journey, alone, into the Australian bush. When cockatoos screech close by, he falls from the tree, instinctively spreading his feet and gliding for the first time. Unsure and scared, he hides under a log, staying safe until night falls and his parents find him.  No longer a baby glider riding on his mother’s back, Joey is now able to fly alone.

This is a sweet story of a young glider, alone in the bush, and his first solo flight. With lovely lilting language- and good use of alliteration- we meet some of the animals of the Australian bush such as the lyrebird, blue-tongue lizard and echidna.

Miller’s artwork is delicate and soft, very dream like in some aspects, offering a gentle palette that is very reassuring and soothing. This book is ideal for preschool and early readers and offers a good introduction to some of the animals of the Australian bush.

Millie’s Special Something

Millie’s Special Something by Tania Cox, illustrated by David Miller (Working Title Press)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 978-1-921504-38-9
Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

Everybody has something special that makes them feel brave when they are scared. Or that’s what Millie’s friends tell her. Don stomps, Gus roars and Lea flies and swoops. But Millie is too small to stomp and roar, and her feathers aren’t meant for flying. So what is Millie’s special something when big bad Reggie comes along?

Tania Cox has written a delightful story about a small dinosaur that discovers, with the help of her friends, what her special something is. The text is full of action and a lovely use of language and noises makes this a great book to be read out loud.

The vibrant paper sculptures by David Miller add an extra depth to the story. Intricate and detailed, they manage to create texture and movement on the page.  Tania Cox and David Miller also worked on Snap! Went Chester, shortlisted for the 2003 CBCA.

This picture book is ideal for pre-schoolers but as it also touches on the topics of self-esteem, fear and bullying, it would also be suitable for lower primary readers.

Rufus the Numbat

Rufus the Numbat by David Miller (Ford Street Publishing)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 978-1-876462-96-3
Reviewed by Jenny Mounfield

When Rufus decides to pass through town on his way to the bush, what follows is mayhem! With the resulting ruckus, it’s hard to imagine Rufus prefers the quiet life.

The cause and effect of the little numbat’s journey is expertly told through Miller’s wonderful 3D paper sculptures. Cyclists, paint tins and Chinese dragons are all upended as Rufus scurries on his way, seeking out the sights and sounds of his favourite habitat. And, of course, with the aid of a skateboard, he finally makes it home none the worse for wear—unlike those left in his wake.

With its sparse text and busy illustrations, this title is ripe for reader interaction. After just a few readings littlies will know the words by heart and will, no doubt, be building on the story by adding their own.

Miller’s first picture book was the hugely successful Boo to a Goose by Mem Fox. He has since gone on to illustrate many more, including CBC short-listed Snap Went Chester (written by Tania Cox), Refugees, and Ford Street’s, Big and Me.

Jenny Mounfield is the author of three novels for kids, her most recent title being: The Ice-cream Man (Ford St). She has been reviewing for Buzz Words since ’06.