Sabina and the Cats of Rome

Sabina and the Cats of Rome by Sophie Masson & Laura Wood (Christmas Press)  Paperback RRP $15.99 ISBN 9780645378894

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sophie Masson is a talented award-winning French-Australian fantasy and children’s author of over 70 books. She is co-founder of children’s literature publishing house, Christmas Press. In 2019 she received an AM award in the order of Australia honours list for her significant service to literature.

Laura Wood is an illustrator specialising in children’s books. She currently lives in Milan and has illustrated many books for both Australian and Italian publishers, including an earlier book by Sophie Masson, Building Site Zoo. She studied illustration in Melbourne, Australia.

Sabina is a young girl living during the Roman age, who encounters a snobbish cat and goes on an incredible adventure involving rats, snakes, magicians... but mostly rats to try and save the King of the cats of Rome.

Sophie Masson has created fourteen chapters of an action-packed junior novel that is both lively and engaging. Her characterisation is strong and true for both Sabina and Cleo the snobby cat.  The setting raises the bar for young readers because they learn things about the Roman Age. The language, sentences and dialogue support younger readers and help develop independent reading skills.  The first chapter sets up the story very well with the introduction of the setting and main characters of Sabina and Cleo.

Masson leads the reader on to each chapter with great page turns. And there, sitting on a branch of the tree, and staring down at her, was a cat. The loyalty of Sabina and the snobbishness of Cleo shines through. I think just like Sabina needed an adventure; Masson recognises that younger readers do too. Mason brings in information and characters that later play roles in the story. For example, the dogs Major and Minor love chasing cats and rats. This a humorous read that is logical and believable. Lots of rats and cats would have been around in the Roman age.  It’s clever thinking to create a Cat King, King Rat and Emperor of Dogs. The dialogue is word efficient and helps move the plot forward. ‘You have hurt Cleo,’ said Sabina. ‘Why should I let you go?’ Masson is a seasoned writer, and it certainly shows.

Laura Wood has created one full page black and white illustrations per chapter. This is clever because the visuals set the younger reader up to make sense of the story as each chapter unfolds. The illustrations give information about what things might have been like in the Roman age. Wood has a style that includes humour and draws the eye to the parts of the illustrations that give the reader story info. For example, when the dogs enter the study Cleo’s back is arched with raised fur and the dogs are snarly with mouths open and teeth showing. There is movement when mayhem reigns like when the rat is in the kitchen and the servants are alarmed and one is armed with a broom. Wood’s attention to detail shows and the action and facial expressions and character actions are engaging.

Sabina and the Cats of Rome is a lively and engaging 84-page light fantasy chapter book for children aged 6-9 who are ready to move on to independent reading.  I can see children, parents, teachers and librarians loving this fun book.

The Cow Tripped over the Moon

The Cow Tripped over the Moon by Tony Wilson, illustrated by Laura Wood (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74392-353-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Almost every child (and adult) must know the story of the cow jumping over the moon. But I bet no-one knows how many attempts it took to get it right. The Cow Tripped Over the Moon is a very funny version of this famous rhyme, featuring all the original characters –Cow, Dog, Cat & Fiddle and of course, Dish & Spoon.

         But what they don’t say

         In the songs from that day,

         Is the cow didn’t jump it first time.

         It seems a moon clearance

         Takes great perseverance,

         So back to the scene of the rhyme...

When rhyme works well in a picture book it is a joy to read and this one is close to perfect. There are no dodgy words, or strange sentences, nothing is sacrificed for the rhyme. It has a rollicking rhythm which adds to the joy of reading this story aloud and fabulous humour in both words and pictures.

         Moon attempt 3: 10.12pm

         Hey diddle diddle

         The cat and the fiddle

         The cow jumped under the moon.

         Her run-up was slow,

         She was never a show,

         And the fiddle was way out of tune.

The wonderful illustrations glow under the moon’s light. They expand on so much of the story. The gang sit on the barn roof, gazing at the moon and concocting the whole escapade. The characters all help Cow train and the story builds to the penultimate page which echoes the text beautifully and conveys the emotion of the moment with a glorious picture of Cow, just before her last jump attempt. We see the determination on her face, her eyes filling with water, cape (towel) flowing from her shoulders, and the gang behind shouting encouragement – all with the glow of sunrise at their backs

This is an entertaining read, fun for toddlers, children and adults alike. And underlying the laughs is a strong message of perseverance, teamwork and supportive friends.

Echidna Jim Went for a Swim

Echidna Jim Went for a Swim by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Laura Wood (Scholastic Australia)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-299-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It is a very hot day so all the animals decide to go to the beach in the big blue bus Wombat fixed up. The water is cool and everyone is having fun floating around on their inflatable toys until Echidna Jim jumps in.

Echidna Jim Went for a Swim is a light-hearted, fun tale which highlights the problems of having spikes. Jim is a clumsy echidna but his friends take it all in their stride, coming up with simple solutions to minimise the spikes’ damage.

The story is filled with vibrant, bustling words – ‘rattle, bounced, skidded, whoosh’ – all highlighted in the text. It is lovely to read aloud – The bumpy road wound round like a snake – with the occasional internal rhyme – There was a terrible fuss getting back on the bus. This picture book would pass the test of multiple readings easily.

The illustrations partner the text perfectly. They reveal the story of the spikes and the solutions. The Australian animals are drawn wonderfully, with their expressions and quirks. From Echidna Jim, to the koala who is always snapping photographs, to the dingo who is always ‘cool’, these animals retain their personalities throughout. Bright and always amusing, these pictures will delight young readers.

This hardback edition has heavy glossy pages, just right for long time wear and little fingers. Children from the age of three will enjoy this book.