Lion Is That You?

 

Lion Is That You? by Moira Court (Freemantle Press) ISBN 9781760991241 RRP $24.99 

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Are there really lions in Australia? This delightful picture book answers this question with a clue on the first double page spread. A clever look and reveal story we see parts of Australian animals hidden in various landscapes all created from prints and/or collage techniques. Each animal is revealed on the next page with another clue hidden within.

There are so many great features in this picture book, children will love guessing the animals, looking for “bones” of ancient creatures and listening to the beautiful language. An introduction to the concept of camouflage, the reader seeks out and identifies the fauna of Australia which adds even more enjoyment to this title. The text is well developed with language that encourages intonation, using alliteration and rhyme which means adults will love reading aloud to one child or a group. This fabulous book will be enjoyed by families, in childcare centres, libraries and in the classroom. I loved Moira Court’s last picture book Dog Park: this title adds to her clever and creative body of work.

 As I finished my review reading with my 4-year-old granddaughter, she insisted that she MUST have this book at home to read again with her daddy tonight!

Highly recommended for ages 3-6 years.

My Superhero

My Superhero by Chris Owen, illustrated by Moira Court (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781925816464

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Superheroes may be ‘tall and very muscly’, with the ability to ‘see through solid walls quite easily’ and ‘dive deeper than a submarine’, but the young narrator’s superhero – their dad – is not like that at all. He climbs trees to rescue them ‘with perfect ease’, he gives hugs that make them feel like they are ‘protected by a coat of steel’ and, best of all according to the narrator, ‘he reads me books!’

Chris Owen’s rhyming couplets dance off the tongue when read aloud, keeping the child listener entranced with every syllable. Although there are two spreads about superheroes for every one spread describing the father, it is clear to the audience that the narrator places their dad above all others – phrases such as ‘my favourite’ and ‘I love it when …’ highlight the importance of the personal connection between father and child.

Turning the idea of a human superhero on its head, Moira Court’s masked characters are all taken from the animal world. Her choice to reserve warm oranges and browns for the spreads devoted to the father’s special skills is a clever one, as it immediately infuses these pages with a unique tenderness.

Chris Owen and Moira Court’s charming ode to the power of dads is being released in board-book form just in time for Father’s Day. My Superhero is perfect for quiet moments at home, when Dad ‘is close at hand to comfort me’.

Antarctica

Antarctica by Moira Court (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781925815757

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Antarctica is a mysterious place with a wealth of unusual animals, and Moira Court brings ten of them to the page in this striking book. From orcas and two different types of seal, to blackfin icefish and ‘shrimpish, pinkish’ krill, this nature information book offers a few surprises.

Each spread incorporates counting, colours and descriptions of the creatures and their behaviours, making for a multi-dimensional experience with much to explore. The language is vibrant and incorporates sophisticated vocabulary which will be a stretch for younger readers (and even some older ones). The main spreads are followed by four pages of quirky facts about Antarctica and the featured animals.

Court’s hand-made, layered illustrations are striking, using bold yet natural colours and geometric shapes. The creatures are rendered with surprising depth of character, joyous breaching whales contrasting with trudging penguins and beady-eyed squid.

With so much going on, this book will keep readers coming back repeatedly. While the publisher nominates an age range of 3 to 5 years, the book would also be a valuable classroom resource for junior primary students.