The Real Cowgirl

The Real Cowgirl by Isabelle Duff, illustrated by Susannah Crispe (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922539687

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Making friends is tough and school can be a lonely place. For Sal, this is especially the case when you’d rather just be riding your horse alongside your family’s cattle than going to school. But as Sal learns, sometimes if you share just a bit of yourself, you can find connection.

The ‘twist’ in this book feels like it should be obvious from the outset but somehow comes as a lovely surprise around halfway through, as we realise that Sal’s horse is the narrator. This device manages to maintain a level of proximity alongside observations which don’t feel patronising.

The story reinforces rich imagery in the text with charming, pastel watercolour illustrations. While a predictable plot and flat characters mean it is unlikely to stay with the reader for long or have them picking it up again and again, it is a worthwhile expression of hope and the value of putting yourself out into the world.

This is a heartwarming book which offers value for junior primary students struggling to come out of their shell and make friends at school.

Cookie

Cookie by Isabelle Duff & Susannah Crispe (EK Books) PB HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978 1 925820959 

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks 

Cookie is small dog that arrives into Girl’s life when she needs a friend to tuck into a cuddle and help chase the sad away.

 

Isabelle Duff gently and sensitively explores sadness. It is a topic that is often misunderstood and it can be hard to understand. I particularly love that this story as told through the eyes of Cookie, a small dog. The perspective is clever and allows the use of simple language with a mix of short and longer sentences to great effect. Girl was warm and good to lick…And she had a ball. The child reader understands that feelings are being explored but the text cleverly matches their level of understanding and concept development. It shows that when sadness hangs around you can cope with love and understanding. Girl tried to play. But she was too sad. So, we cuddled instead. Cookie is a friend who takes Girl for lots of walks, shares cuddles, gives love, and licks her happy again. I helped so much Girl got happier. And everyone is happier when girl is happier. Especially me. The voice in this story is fresh and unique. It speaks clearly to the reader and delivers a strong message about how love and friendship can help you cope with sadness.

 

Susannah Crispe’s playful, pastel watercolour illustrations are a perfect match for this text. Her use of perspective which zooms in and out on Girl and Cookie depicts their strong bond of love beautifully. The personality of each character shines in their facial expressions and body movements. Crispe clearly understands that the unspoken speaks just as loudly to the reader. I love the spread that shows Girl and Cookie cuddling together when Girl is in a moment of sadness. There is much heart and warmth that shows the love of Girl and Cookie. The endpapers add to the story with the family scattered amongst the trees at the start of the book and together as a family at the end.

 

Cookie is a picture book for children three years and up that allows a child reader to take as much or as little as they need about sadness from this book. It is also a book for dog-loving families. Cookie is a wonderful resource to bring attention to depression and anxiety that can be used by parents, teachers or health professionals. Cookie is a picture book that is filled with much heart, hope and love that is well told.