Feathers

Feathers by Karen Hendriks, illustrated by Kim Fleming (Empowering Resources) RRP PB $17.00 ISBN 9781925592214

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Feathers is a tender story of love, loss and grief told through the eyes of a young child. A little boy believes that feathers are precious dream catchers. He trusts this belief because his late mother told him so. ‘Feathers help you capture good dreams and keep the bad ones away.’ When the young boy sees feathers floating gracefully above in the wind, he tries to catch one to ensure his dreams come true.

The soothing and gentle narrative is complemented by the soft colour palette of the pencil and watercolour illustrations. This book beautifully demonstrates the concept that symbols (such as feathers and stars) can be used to carry special meaning and bring comfort in times of sadness.

Feathers is a picture book suitable for children aged 3-8 years, particularly those who are mourning the loss of someone dear to them.

 

Running From the Tiger

Running From the Tiger by Aleesah Darlison (Empowering Resources) PB RRP $15   ISBN 9780994501066

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This is a story of true friendship. When ten-year-old Ebony meets Teena the new girl at school, she can’t believe her luck. A real friend at last. Follow Ebony and Teena as their friendship and trust for one another grows.

Darlison draws on Ebony and Teena’s growing friendship to give the reader a message of how friendship and encouragement can lead to overcoming a difficult family life.

This book for 10 -12 years old girls comes with a warning. It has a purpose of empowering those living with domestic violence. This social issue is woven tastefully throughout the narrative and encourages children to have a voice.

Ebony loves to run; it gives her freedom from her father and the abundances of chores and responsibilities he saddles her with at home. Both she and Teena among other classmates gain a spot in the zone carnival. With training commences after school Ebony dares to ask her father for permission. As the reader, you can’t help but have empathy for Ebony as she finds herself and strengths.

The climax comes when Ebony gets a chance to slips away with the encouragement of Teena, to compete at Zone level.  This book has a marvellous way of raising a difficult subject.