Hello to You, Moon

Hello to You, Moon written by Sally Morgan, illustrated by Sonny & Biddy (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $24.99  ISBN 9781760125462

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

A poetic, rhythmical counting book (but so much more), Morgan’s Hello to You, Moon examines the various creatures which swing, prowl, leap and scurry under the light of the moon.

Each creature featured salutes the moon in their own way, from hooting owls to roaring lions. Each spread progresses from one to ten with an accompanying animal family, as the moon journeys from twilight through midnight to the brightening sky of the following day.

This would make a brilliant bedtime story for babies through to pre-schoolers, with much to engage, including rhyme, action and animal noises. Sonny and Biddy’s graphic illustrations with an overarching purple palette are the perfect, vibrant accompaniment to the text.

Once Upon an ABC

Once Upon an ABC written by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781760128432

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Sophie Masson’s Once Upon an ABC is a stunning ode to folk and fairytales. For every letter of the alphabet is a character from stories past, ranging from the highly recognisable to the more obscure.

There’s Rapunzel and Jack in the Beanstalk, the wily old wolf from Little Red Riding Hood (as G for Grandma, of course!). The Ugly Duckling and Puss in Boots make an appearance, as do mythological creatures such as a Pegasus and Nymph. Certain inclusions may leave readers scratching their heads – Y for Yggdrasil, anyone? However, ensuing discussion and bookish research may open young readers’ eyes to a whole new world of stories and characters they weren’t otherwise familiar with.

Told in an engaging rhyme, this is an ABC with a difference – a collectible homage to legendary tales. Nielsen’s illustrations pop with primary colours and have a timeless, retro style. The endpapers are a typography-lovers’ delight.

One Little Goat

One Little Goat written by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $24.99  ISBN 9781742976921

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

‘My daddy bought a little baby goat, a little baby goat my daddy bought’ begins this cumulative tale with echoes of There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. A cat eats the goat, who is bitten by a dog, who is hit by a stick and so and so on, as the tale becomes increasingly more mayhem-filled. The repetition as the story builds has a musical quality, and would have children repeating along in no time.

The ridiculous antics of the characters are humorously depicted via Joyner’s cartoon-like illustrations, full of action and with very expressive faces throughout. Even the suggestions of violence (think chopping and burning!) are reduced to nothing more than frivolity with Joyner’s clever touch. After a fun turn of events where a tall, dark stranger is revealed for who it really is, the chaos subsides until the story comes to a satisfying, full-circle conclusion.

There is a real old-fashioned, nursery rhyme feel to this story, as it is based on a traditional Hebrew song dating back to the 17^th century. The words retain a timeless feel, while the illustrations bring a contemporary sensibility.

Counting through the Day

Counting through the Day written by Margaret Hamilton, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781760124526

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

The sweet opening line ‘One cuddly teddy on a brand new day’ sets the tone for this rhyming counting book for the very young. Told from a child’s perspective, it captures the heightened imagination and sense of wonder of early childhood. Snacks, backyard adventures, rest time and craft are all covered during a well-rounded day full of discovery.

An unusual aspect of this book is that the counting rapidly accelerates beyond twelve, leapfrogging from hundreds to thousands to millions, highlighting the enormity of the outside world (raindrops! stars!). The image of the protagonist (who is pleasingly gender-neutral looking) and their pets gazing out at the night sky hints at life’s endless possibilities. The story then culminates in one special thing, drawing the child back into their secure, inner world.

Pignataro’s gorgeous illustrations perfectly complement the text, alternating between energetic moments and contented scenes, and reflecting the loving bond between child and carer. The busy endpapers alone would keep a young reader mesmerised, spotting all the animals and objects from the child’s day.

Incredibilia

Incredibilia written by Libby Hathorn, illustrated by Gaye Chapman (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781760125257

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Little Georgie is the youngest of three siblings, and one day receives a secret message that has floated down from a tree. Max and Harriet dismiss her and play out of reach. As the days progress, Georgie receives more messages from her surroundings about an elusive game, while Max and Harriet leave her out of their more sophisticated pursuits of building cubbyhouses and playing robots.

Despite her big brother and sister’s lack of interest, Georgie is swept away in her own whimsical world, seeing and hearing messages everywhere from the clouds to the garden to the ‘notes of Dad’s guitar’. When she listens to her heart and decides to play ‘the game’ herself, Max and Harriet are intrigued about Georgie’s ideas.

The way Little Georgie sees the extraordinary in the ordinary is brought to life through Chapman’s dreamlike images. Naïve scribbles and swirls in the sky show what Georgie sees, while Georgie stands out in her block colour red dress and wild orange curls. The play with scale on each page leaves the reader in no doubt who the dominant child is by the end of the story. This is a wondrous tale highlighting the importance of creative, imaginative play.

Together Always

Together Always written by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781742979632

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Best friends Pig and Goat are always together, no matter what happens to hang from the trees in their orchard. They constantly reassure each other, and promise to always stick together. Their different personality traits create a harmonious balance – Goat cheers Pig up with stories, while Pig sings Goat to sleep. Their pact to remain together, always, seems to be working out, until one night Goat is inspired to venture beyond their home.

Pig would rather not leave home, but sticks to their agreement and reluctantly follows. It is clear Pig and Goat now want different things, and they sadly part ways. In their attempt to live apart, each is reminded of the other through memories sparked in nature, depicted beautifully in Masciullo’s gentle pencil and watercolour art.

This is an endearing book about friendship, change and compromise, and about allowing those we love to follow their dreams. The story also demonstrates that when you’re unable to physically be with your loved ones, they can still be in your heart.

Wyatt uses repetition and rhythm to great effect in this heartwarming tale. Together Always would make a wonderful read for someone about to enter a period of change

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker written by Margrete Lamond, illustrated by Ritva Voutila (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781742977782

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

This beautiful reworking of the classic Hoffman’s tale, The Nutcracker, combines Lamond’s lyrical language and Voutila’s stunning illustrations to draw out the original story’s emotional heart.

Gentle, thoughtful Marie is enamoured with the carefully crafted wooden toys made by family friend Mr Drosselmeier. Her patience and appreciation of details is in contrast with the greedy, selfish nature displayed by her brother Fritz, who dismisses Marie’s enchantment with a wooden nutcracker topped with the sweet yet sad face of a boy. When he purposefully breaks it, it’s hard to not to feel for Marie as she tenderly cares for the toy and wishes he was a real boy – a friend with qualities just like hers.

The ensuing battle with the mouse king and dreamlike adventure with the nutcracker reveals Marie’s bravery and loyalty. Readers are transported on a wondrous journey, where Marie finds someone who loves to ‘delight and dawdle’ as much as she does.

The much longer word count than most picture books will suit the attention spans of school aged children, particularly those around the seven mark. This is a ‘forever’ kind of book with major shelf display appeal – a timeless classic to be treasured and passed down to the next generation.

Perfect

Perfect written by Danny Parker, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921894848

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

This beautiful, evocative picture book perfectly captures the magic of childhood. Parker’s simple yet thoughtful words conjure the fun and freedom of a day filled with creative pursuits and adventure, without an electronic device (or an adult!) to be seen.

Three siblings and an adorable, loyal cat have the space to do and dream as they scribble, mix, climb and run through Blackwood’s depiction of a country cottage and idyllic landscape, in her inimitable, signature style. Even my five year old co-reviewer recognised her art – ‘it’s Cleo!’ she exclaimed, in reference to Blackwood’s illustrations in The Cleo Stories.

The gentle narrative is divided by a wordless, double-page spread in the book’s centre, which provides an aerial view of the children’s surrounds. Their world spans the beach, farmland and a hilltop village – a dreamlike childhood setting. This signifies their return home and the onset of rain, and a reflective, cosy ending to their day. It does indeed look perfect.

Too Busy Sleeping

Too busy sleeping written by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781742979625

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Eleanor has a new baby brother, Reuben. She is eager to play with him, however is told, ‘The baby is too busy sleeping’. Patient at first, Eleanor waits and waits for Reuben to wake, passing the time playing with her grandparents and with her toys. Eleanor’s frustration grows as it dawns on her that little Reuben doesn’t do much aside from eat and sleep. Her fluctuating emotions are wonderfully depicted in a spread where she sits, flushed and cross-armed in an empty bathtub, and realises Reuben might not be the playmate she was hoping for.

There is a whimsical, old-fashioned quality evident in Pignataro’s illustrations – not only in their style but through the types of play depicted. Eleanor builds with blocks, makes a sandcastle in the backyard, holds picnic-style tea parties and has a tyre swing. There are floral and gingham patterns used throughout, including the endpapers, which add to the timeless feel.

The tale takes a heart-warming turn as Reuben remains awake just as Eleanor asks her Mum for some one-on-one story time. Rather than complain, she takes the opportunity to finally play with Reuben. The last charming page reveals that Reuben’s not the only sleepy one.

Two to five year olds will find much to love in debut author Zanni Louise’s sweet story of adjusting to a new baby, containing themes of change and acceptance.

My Amazing Dad

My Amazing Dad written by Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Tom Jellett (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921894862

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Individuality, embracing imperfection and the warmth of unconditional love are at the heart of this sweet ode to dads.

Told from the perspective of a young boy and his little brother (with their ever-present crocodile and red frog in tow throughout the book), the narrative opens with ‘My dad is not like other dads’, building anticipation straight away.

Jellett’s illustrations depict a lovable yet goofy-looking father, appearing comically dazed at the responsibilities that await. As it turns out, he’s not so good at mowing lawns, fixing taps or baking cakes, but that doesn’t matter to the kids when he creates a maze in the grass, makes bath-time a mess of bubbles and takes them to the cake shop instead.

While some stereotypical chores that are traditionally expected of dads are included, they are seamlessly mixed with other more equitable expectations, like taking the kids to school or reading them a bedtime story. Mum arrives home at lights-out time at the end, presenting readers with a realistic look at contemporary families, where gender roles are much more fluid.

Creativity is another theme at this book’s core; after all, who wouldn’t rather arrive at school via a supersized hopscotch or listen to stories in a makeshift tent past bedtime? Jellett’s vibrant, full-bleed illustrations on each page beautifully highlight the fun and joy of a childhood made all the more exciting by this amazing dad’s ideas.

The release of My Amazing Dad is timed perfectly for the lead-up to Father’s Day, and sends positive messages around togetherness, fun, affection and love, and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

In the Evening

In the Evening by Edwina Wyatt, Illustrations by Gaye Chapman (Little Hare Books (an imprint of Hardie Grant Egmont)

RRP $24.95 Hardback

ISBN 978-1-742975-28-3

Review by Dianne Cook

Edwina Wyatt’s In the Evening concerns itself with that ‘time of day’ when not only the light changes, but how our perceptions of the world around us can be affected too. It is the time described in a common French idiom as “the hour between the wolf and the dog” – when the light can cause you to confuse the friendly dog and the unfriendly wolf.  A stanza from Emily Dickinson, used as an epigraph, describes this effect.

There’s a certain Slant of light,

          Winter Afternoons –

That oppresses, like the Heft

          Of Cathedral Tunes –     

Both the story and the illustrations are, in the strict sense of the word, fabulous.  At the launch of her book Edwina Wyatt described the relationship between writer and illustrator as the “co-imagining” of a story. This is an example of “co-imagining” at its best.

The book introduces us to Charlie and Oscar who are neighbours but not yet neighbourly. They spend their evenings differently, apart, but observing each other. The images of these endearing squirrely characters have a mythical quality; their story has universal resonance while at the same time showing homely particulars of how these two begin a friendship.  This layering of meaning is expressed verbally in the story’s ‘fable’ quality and visually in the wash of watercolour over clear outlines. Gaye Chapman’s artwork was inspired by the atmospheric paintings of JMW Turner, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Gaye Chapman used loose washes of transparent watercolours and tea over graphite and coloured pencils and spatterings of masking-fluid stars, rain and snow.

The story has significance for Charlie and Oscar and for everyone, for this place and everywhere. In appreciating the story of the two creatures, children see possibilities for dealing with their own times of fearfulness and doubt.

Recurring uncertainty is expressed in the repetition of the line, “Oscar didn’t know what to do” -  a feeling every child and every adult will know.  But the cycle is broken with a gesture of outreach.  Oscar begins to “hope” for more signs of friendship from Charlie, and makes a move. A “knock, knock” on Charlie’s door, and a “hello” lead to an evening of delightful conviviality.

“That evening, bellies ached from laughter.

That evening, spoons went back for thirds.”

That “slant of light” that “oppresses” has been displaced by illuminated windows and a cosy fireside as “the night had just begun.”  So too has a friendship and an understanding. “Knock, knock” and “Hello!” won’t be strange sounds to Charlie any more.

There is a lesson here in this whimsical fable, but it’s conveyed with the lightest touch.

Once Upon a Timeless Tale: The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Once Upon a Timeless Tale: The Twelve Dancing Princesses written by The Brothers Grimm (retold by Margrete Lamond), illustrated by Anna Walker (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $12.95

ISBN 9781742974019

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

The Twelve Dancing Princesses is part of Little Hare Books’ new Once Upon a Timeless Tales series, introducing classic folk and fairy tales to a new generation of readers.

The tale centres on the mystery of a King who finds the party slippers belonging to his twelve princess daughters ripped to shreds each morning. The King is baffled, as the princesses are locked in a chamber overnight. He declares that the man who discovers what the princesses are getting up to can select one for a wife. A succession of boastful princes try their luck at observing the princesses all night, yet each fails, until a wounded soldier hobbles into town and is presented with an invisibility cloak and some helpful pointers from an old lady.

What happens next is a series of fantastical scenes, revealing the secret goings on of the princesses, beautifully illustrated by award-winning author/illustrator Anna Walker. The wordless double page spread on pages 12 and 13 of the princesses in their evening wear finery is truly enchanting.

Despite the current trend for fractured fairy tales, these versions stick closely to the original storyline. Old-fashioned language, like declaring someone a ‘silly goose’ is used, likely to charm the intended readership and perhaps evoke a giggle. The harshness of the fairy tales of old the in the form of heads being lopped off is also retained. This version ends on a more uplifting note than the original though, leaving the fate of the princes (that the princesses had been dancing with) open-ended rather than cursed.

This is a magical tale that will likely captivate 5 to 8 year old girls, and stays true enough to the Brothers Grimm original without being nightmare-inducing.

Why I love Australia

Why I love Australia written and illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9781760125127

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Bronwyn Bancroft’s Why I love Australia has been around for several years; however, Little Hare Books has just released a paperback version.

The story is a celebration of Australia and its varied landscapes, taking the reader on a journey through rivers, plains and grasslands, to cities, snow and the sea. Each landscape is introduced in a double-paged spread, vibrantly coloured and depicted in dots, swirls and repetitive patterns punctuated by strong lines. Evident with each page turn is a small recurring figure of an Aboriginal person holding a traditional wooden bowl called a coolamon, used in smoking ceremonies. This ceremony is used to cleanse a place or person, disperse negative energy or to pay respect to another Aboriginal group’s land.

On each spread, a descriptive sentence helps to paint a picture in a reader’s mind of the energy of each landscape, for example ‘Gorges that plummet into serpentine shadows’. The writing has a poetic quality, and will likely enchant a preschool aged audience, introducing them not only to different environments but to beautiful language too.

Why I love Australia is an ode to the country, and pays respect to the different traditional land owners of each region.

That’s what wings are for

That’s what wings are for by Patrick Guest, illustrated by Daniella Germain (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781742978291

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

That’s what wings are for is the tale of Bluey the dragon, notably different to other dragons with his weak wings, wheezy breath and blue skin. Shunned by the other dragons for not being ‘dragony’ enough (read: strong, fire-breathing and able to fly), Bluey retreats to a tree where he dreams of flying.

Bluey does like to hug, however this is frowned upon and his wings are promptly tied up. Upon hearing of another type of dragon who also doesn’t fly, the bearded dragon, Bluey sets off on a long journey to find him. It takes some supportive words from the bearded dragon and an encounter with an appreciative little boy to help Bluey understand his purpose.

The narrative has a fable-like quality, with its journey element and powerful messages. Quite lengthy for a picture book, the story may not suit the attention spans of young children, however those aged around 5 to 7 will likely find much to hold their interests. Bluey’s determination, resilience and ultimate self-discovery will have readers cheering for him. That’s what wings are for is an uplifting story, with soft watercolour imagery that’s both detailed and delightful.

The book’s creators have dedicated the story to children living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a condition that, like in Bluey’s instance, results in muscle weakness. The book is dedicated to the inner strengths of DMD sufferers and their multitude of other talents.

The Eagle Inside

The Eagle Inside by Jack Manning Bancroft, illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781742974699

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Jimmy the little honeyeater is off to flying school, and soon feels intimidated by the other noisier, larger birds. Wracked with self-doubt, Jimmy is targeted by a mean cockatoo which further destroys Jimmy’s self-esteem with his taunts. It takes a kind yet strong eagle to lead Jimmy to realise his inner strengths, and help him recognise that size is no barrier to success.

The rhythmic, descriptive language flows well, aided by alliteration in parts. Action and a soaring sense of self are evoked beautifully: ‘He dodged and weaved, ducked and dived, swerved and skimmed without touching a thing’.

The narrative is accompanied by dramatic full-bleed images in Bronwyn Bancroft’s inimitable illustration style. Blues, greens and browns feature prominently, reflecting the book’s natural setting, with strong lines contrasting with dot and leaf motifs. Each page is a visual feast, beautifully carrying the text and cementing this mother-son creative duo as one to watch.

Bronwyn Bancroft has had a long and successful career as an artist and children’s book creator; however, this is Jack Manning Bancroft’s first foray into children’s books. He is best known as founding the aboriginal mentoring program AIME at only 19 years old, and at 29 is its CEO and a NSW Young Australian of the Year recipient. The story is based on Jack’s experiences at university, where a mentor helped him nurture his own strengths.

The Eagle Inside is a tale of inner-strength, courage and self-belief, and the power of having someone to believe in you.