Alberta

Alberta by Tania Cox, illustrated by Janine Dawson (Working Title Press)

RRP PB $14.99

ISBN 9781921504037

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

Who can’t help but love Alberta? Nothing she does is small. From snowballs to fish, everything is big, especially her personality. So when her parents tell her that she soon will be a big sister, she is very excited. She waits, impatiently…. only to be quite disappointed when the eggs arrive. They are not big…they are not even large…. they are… little.

When Alberta is left in charge of the eggs, she soon discovers that being a BIG sister is a very important job. ‘Yipppeeeeeee!’ she cheers knowing the eggs are safe after tricking a hungry egg thief.  

When the eggs do hatch, Alberta can’t help but notice that the babies are rather, well, little.

So very, very little that Alberta suddenly felt like a very, very BIG sister!

Her heart skipped two tiny beats.

Then Alberta opened her flippers wide…

and hugged her little sisters...in a very Alberta way.

With delicate and soft pen and ink and watercolour illustrations this lovely story is a great way for parents to introduce a child into the idea of having a baby brother or sister.

Christmas at Grandad’s Farm

Christmas at Grandad’s Farm by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Janine Dawson (Five Mile Press)
HC RRP 16.95
ISBN 9781743463789
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

The popular and talented Claire Saxby has produced a magnificent picture book in verse format. Christmas at Grandad’s Farm is a warm, fun-loving depiction of family unity and holiday enjoyment. Using the Jingle Bells theme, her own Christmas song depicts a typical Aussie family barbeque, and the freedom of outdoor fun and games; swimming in the creek, too much food, over-eating, and the company of family - young and old.

Dust clouds, leaping kangaroos, tree-lined roads running besides farmhouses, travelling in an old ute through the countryside and our good old Aussie language all add flavour to the carefree scenes.

Barbeques in the country are nothing without barking dogs, kids shouting, a game of cricket, clothes strewn everywhere, and that last wonderful event of the day when all the children are in bed.

Then it’s all around the Christmas tree, presents, wrapping paper everywhere, hugs and kisses, sharing, and a house filled with love. Then it is home again in the old ute.

Congratulations to Janine Dawson on the amazing translation of the text in watercolour and pen. She’s brought words to life with her insight and talent. This book is ideal for promoting Australian country life and would do well in all areas of tourism and promotion.

Night Watch

Night Watch by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Janine Dawson (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921504365

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo and Baboon live by the lake. All have very busy lives and apart from a polite nod of the head, wave of the trunk, swish of the tail or gruff grunt; they rarely spoke to each other. Until one day Giraffe sees the shadow of Lion creeping closer and closer. Can the animals band together to scare Lion away?

This book is a delight to read out loud. The text is full of movement and colour, with language children will love to repeat. Always love a good Boom Boom Boompety Boom and Splish Splash Burp!

Dawson’s vibrant watercolour illustrations bring the landscape and the animals to life. I especially love the hippos swimming in the lake. There is so much joy in their expressions. Priceless.

This book is suitable for pre-school and lower primary age children. It would offer the chance to discuss sound and movement, shadows and music, as well as being a great book to read at bedtime.