Mini & Milo: The Teeny-Tiny Voice

Mini & Milo: The Teeny-Tiny Voice by Venita Dimos, illustrated by Natashia Curtin (Walker Books) HB RRP $25.99 ISBN: 9781760656157

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Mini the elephant has a big secret – inside her head lives a teeny-tiny voice that only she can hear. Sometimes it is encouraging, and sometimes it is funny, but most of all it is grumpy and mean, and it gets Mini into trouble. She asks her friend, Milo, to ‘make it magically disappear’, but it won’t go away. Then she has an idea. She writes a set of rules for the teeny-tiny voice, including ‘Kind words only’ and ‘No telling me to do naughty stuff’. At first, the voice has trouble sticking to the rules, but Mini uses strength and persistence to ensure that the voice starts to do the right thing.

In this book aimed at kids aged four to nine, Venita Dimos has used her experience as a mindset coach and mum to create an appealing story about the power of the inner voice. She makes it clear that having an inner voice is not the problem – it’s only when the voice becomes a negative force that it needs to be dealt with. Venita shows young readers a simple way to get the upper hand on an antagonistic voice, so they can lead a peaceful and happy life.

Bursting with colour and movement, Natashia Curtin’s illustrations are eye-catching and endearing. Children can easily see and understand every emotion that crosses Mini’s face, which allows them to empathise with the struggling protagonist. The characterisation of the inner voice as a tiny, ghost-like version of Mini is perfect – this reinforces the idea that the inner voice is part of Mini, yet it is small enough to manage.

Mini & Milo: The Teeny-Tiny Voice will hearten youngsters who are worried about the voice they hear in their heads. Following Mini’s lead, they will soon have an inner voice that is sweet, not sour

Mary Had a Little Lamb – What Really Happened

Mary Had a Little Lamb – What Really Happened by Amelia McInerney, illustrated by Natashia Curtin (Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760663872

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Every child knows the nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb – or do they? What if the writer ‘left the good bits out’? When the Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly goes ‘stark raving mad’, she starts eating every pet in town … and Little Bo Peep’s sheep have gone missing! It’s up to Mary to find the old lady and rescue the animals from her tummy (thank goodness ‘the beastly woman had no teeth and couldn’t chew’!).

Amelia McInerney turns literary conventions on their head in this rollicking rhyme aimed at kids aged four to seven. Rather than being a passive protagonist, Mary inspires youngsters with her dynamic ingenuity, strength, and bravery. Amelia’s hilarious tale twists and turns in unexpected ways, which is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until they find out ‘What Really Happened’.

Natashia Curtin’s action-packed illustrations offer plenty for young eyes to look at. Slightly muted colours allow the detail and movement in each image to come to the fore. Mary rocks a Princess Leia vibe thanks to her hairstyle; this is a subtle visual reflection of her heroic courage and leadership in a time of crisis.

A magnificent mash-up with a surprising conclusion, Mary Had a Little Lamb – What Really Happened will tickle children’s funny bones every time the story is read. With each laugh they’ll learn that it’s okay to be bold and to use your brains – especially when standing up to an insatiable adversary.

Vernon the Penguin

Vernon the Penguin by Natashia Curtin (Omnibus Books) HB RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781743836972

Reviewed by Sandi Wooton

‘I wish I could fly like all the other birds, twirling and curling, swooshing and swirling in the wild west wind.’

Everyone knows that penguins can’t fly. But Vernon the penguin refuses to listen. Ever since he hatched from the egg, he has wanted to fly. So, he’s determined to find a way.

This amusing picture book from debut author/illustrator Natashia Curtin will have children (and adults) laughing out loud at Vernon’s crazy stunts as he tries to find a way to take flight.

After each failed attempt, Vernon’s family and friends rally behind him, reminding him that penguins can’t fly, encouraging him to put aside his un-penguin-like ambition, to focus on something else.  But Vernon refuses to give up. With stubborn determination, and a little help from the wise old penguin, Vernon finally discovers how to solve his problem in a most unexpected way!

A penguin’s world can be an icy and dismal world. But here we are focussing on the penguins’ activities which are cleverly portrayed throughout this story. Natashia Curtin’s illustrations are delightful and perfectly enhance the text. The snow-white background works extremely well, contrasting with the characters in the book.

 I was pleasantly surprised to discover a range of different expressions on the penguin’s faces. I also felt particularly amused by the creative and comical flying contraptions Vernon utilised to help him in his unsuccessful efforts to fly. Natashia Curtin skilfully draws us into the story, keeping us interested until the very last page.

This picture book is suitable for children aged 3 years plus.