Christmas Under the Overpass

Christmas Under the Overpass by Katie Flannigan, illustrated by Katrina Fisher (Little Pink Dog Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780648964117

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Melody and her mum ride their bikes under the overpass on the way to and from school. One day, a raggedy man sets up camp beneath the bridge. Melody waves and says, ‘Hi!’ She finds out that his name is Mo. When she and her mum are back at home, Melody worries about Mo. Will he be alone for Christmas? She decides that they should have a Christmas picnic with Mo, complete with presents, craft activities and rainbow fudge. It’s a kindness that brings a smile to Mo’s worn face.

Although Katie Flannigan’s picture book has a Christmas theme, the central message of compassion ensures that this a story for all seasons. Melody casts her eyes beyond the dirty mattress, run-down couch and pile of old clothes to observe the hurt human being in front of her, and she takes the time to discover Mo’s history. This generosity of spirit is enlightening, and encourages readers aged five to ten to empathise with those less fortunate than themselves.

Katrina Fisher’s illustrations are simple but effective, with plenty of festive vignettes to make small hearts sing. Although the book deals with homelessness, the images steer clear of dark motifs. Bright colours pop from the pages, adding a glow of positivity that reflects Melody’s benevolent intentions.

The joy of giving rather than receiving flows effortlessly from Christmas Under the Overpass, and relates to more than material gifts – it encompasses awareness, care and consideration. It’s an important message for all readers, young and old.

Monkey Mind

Monkey Mind by Rebecca J Palmer (Little Pink Dog Books) RRP $24.99 (HB) ISBN 978-064825-6380

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

Written and illustrated by Rebecca Palmer, this picture book is for primary school readers and explores the issue of anxiety in children. Using monkeys to represent feelings, the story follows the character of Piper whose monkey is ‘playful but sometimes very, very naughty’. The monkeys are everywhere, and everyone has them, but it seems to Piper that only her monkey has a problem. Piper gets advice from others about how they keep their monkeys under control but in the end, it is up to her to find her own solution. Interesting illustrations provide a detailed and blue-tinged accompaniment throughout the book.

In the story, Piper talks to people about how they deal with their monkeys. Piper’s Dad says he distracts his monkey with a special word. Piper’s grandma tames her monkey by stopping and looking at something from nature. Piper’s aunty concentrates hard and does yoga and Danny tames his monkey by doing something fun. Piper tries all these things, but they don’t work for her. Then when she gets frustrated, everything gets worse.

The resolution that Piper works out for herself is a good one and involves her being kind to herself. That Piper must work out her own way of dealing with her feelings is realistic and encouraging. It’s a good message for a reader to take away with them.

The illustrations are varied and expressive. Early in the story a two-page spread shows people in the park with the monkeys swimming, dangling from a helicopter and skateboarding. When Piper is stressed, the pages are black and filled with white words radiating outwards. Then as Piper works things out, there’s a page full of positive affirmations around a large feather held by her monkey.

Monkey Mind is a book that could be read in primary schools or at home, especially when anxiety is a concern.