Sunshine and Moonlight

Sunshine and Moonlight by Jan Ormerod (HarperCollins) HB RRP $19.99 each ISBN: 9781460761588 (Sunshine), 9781460761601 (Moonlight)

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Reprinted to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their publication, Sunshine and Moonlight are picture-book masterpieces that still resonate with today’s kids. Sunshine follows a family’s morning routine, from the young protagonist waking up before her parents to the rush when they realise that they are running late. A

perfect bookend to Sunshine, Moonlight captures the nightly routine, from dinner and bath to bedtime. Who will fall asleep first – parents or child?

Incredibly, the nuanced stories in Sunshine and Moonlight are both told without words. Jan Ormerod leads youngsters aged three and older on two different but very familiar journeys, yet still manages to surprise littlies with clever twists at pivotal moments. The lack of words empowers the reader to create their own narrative and allows them to add personal light and shade to the layered pages.

Utilising clean lines and lifelike colours, Jan’s illustrations are brimming with detail and dynamism. Small eyes will rake the spreads with glee as they search for signposts to guide their storytelling. Jan’s characterisation of the child protagonist is especially charming, and will appeal to readers both young and old.

Although they seem simple on the surface, Sunshine and Moonlight exude an emotional depth that is endearing. Thanks to these fresh editions, a new generation of children will discover the warmth and wonder of these timeless books.

 

 

Making Up

Making Up by Jan Ormerod, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781760128999

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Making Up is a short board book consisting of a tale extracted from Ormerod and Blackwood’s picture book Maudie & Bear.

Feisty Maudie takes offence when Bear laughs at her dancing. Bear explains he is laughing with her rather than at her; however, Maudie is quite a strong-willed little character and doesn’t accept this. Bear is gentle yet persistent in attempting to coax Maudie out of her bedroom and make amends, until he finally comes up with an idea to bring them back together.

The contrast between petulant Maudie and patient Bear captures the irrational moments of the toddler and preschool years. It also suggests the endless love of a parent or carer, even in the face of difficult behaviour. Maudie is a flawed and very real character, who reflects the emotional highs and lows experienced by the two to five year old set, the book’s target market. Blackwood’s gentle illustrations capture the moods evoked in the story beautifully.

Other books in the series include The Bike Ride, with further titles to come in 2017.

The Swap

The Swap written by Jan Ormerod, illustrated by Andrew Joyner (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781760128760

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Winner of the CBCA Book of the Year in the Early Childhood category (2014), The Swap has been released in board book format.

Little Caroline Crocodile is jealous of her baby brother and the attention he receives. The more Mama Crocodile gushes over him, the more jealous Caroline becomes. The illustrations build on the text, with Andrew Joyner’s depictions of Caroline cleverly conveying her emotions. When Mama Crocodile heads into the Hat Shop to swap a hat that’s not quite right, Caroline gets an idea. She takes her brother to the Baby Shop, and attempts to swap him for some other animal babies. However, their cute features belie an array of difficult traits, leading Caroline to take another look at her baby brother.

The Swap examines sibling jealousy in a really fun way, with highly engaging characters, and a big dose of humour and mayhem as Caroline interacts with all the potential replacements for her brother. A heart-warming, satisfying conclusion rounds the story off perfectly.

The Swap would make a wonderful gift for a toddler or pre-schooler grappling with the arrival of a sibling. This new format’s sturdy, square-shaped pages are perfect for little hands, allowing the longevity this timeless tale deserves.