Once, at the edge of the Sea

Once, at the edge of the Sea written by Sue Saliba and illustrated by Ann Shenfield. Paperback $19.99 ISBN 978 0 648919001                                

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sue Saliba lives on Phillip Island where she writes and protects endangered birds. Her previously published books include the young adult novel Watching Seagulls, and the children’s book The Skin of a Star. Her second young adult fiction, Something, in the World Called Love, won the Victorian Premier’s Award and her third, Alaska, was short-listed for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, and was a notable book in the CBCA Awards. Sue’s love of nature and animals shines brightly within her words.

Alice left school and the island soon after the birds were gone and headed for the city. Here she could start again and forget everything. But your past travels with you as baggage and hers was inside a box. She meets Esmeralda and their shared friendship sets them both upon a path of self-discovery. 

This is a quiet story with parallel storylines that are lyrically written. Alice, the protagonist, speaks clearly from the heart. As a reader I was taken into Alice’s inner world as much as her outer world. Sue’s writing reminded me of Ernest Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. She explores internal worlds at such depth and delicacy that it is captivating. It was a wing, small and pale, so faint, it hardly existed against the white of the paper. At times, Alice herself barely existed. Sue’s poetic writing is beautiful and powerful.

The text that is written without capital letters after the full stops. It is much like one long poem. The spacing makes the text flow easily and smoothly to keep one reading without stopping. There is a certain kind of magic in both the spoken and unspoken words beautifully supported by the unusual design of the text. The opening sentence is simply powerful: Yes, there had been a betrayal. Another strong feature is that some text is typed in bold to stand out at crucial points.

Ann Shenfield’s illustrations are soft, faint, and whimsical. They match the text perfectly. The bird’s footprints that appear throughout the book make the bird’s presence in the story ever present, just like a heartbeat. The flower petals falling are much like tears and heartache. Ann’s illustrations are gentle and just as the character wishes to fade away so do the images.

Once, at the edge of the Sea, is a young adult read that is highly recommended. Sue captures the angst of teenage years and self-discovery beautifully. This book is a wonderful addition to any library or bookshelf.

Once, I was Loved

Once, I was Loved by Belinda Landsberry (EK Books) RRP HB $24.99
ISBN 9781925820027

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Once, I was Loved is the latest picture book from talented author/illustrator Belinda Landsberry, creator of the acclaimed children’s book, Anzac Ted.
Told from a second person point of view, Tock, the long-eared toy rabbit is the narrator of the story and speaks directly to his young audience.

“Hey, it’s me! Tock! Down here in the Charity Box.”

On the eve of heading to the charity shop, the much-loved rabbit reflects on the ups and downs of his long life. First, Tock introduces us to his original owner, five-year-old Sam, who adored him for many years. Sam then gives Tock to a young boy who is less fortunate than herself. The tale continues with Tock given up, passed down, or lost and finding a new owner each time. The rabbit is loved by seven different owners over the decades, each one with a unique story and a snippet of history revealed, from war times to the introduction of the internet.

While the narrative is sad in parts, this book also depicts Tock as a very lucky rabbit to have been loved for so many decades by so many gorgeous children. The tale reminds us that people will come in and out of our life for a myriad of reasons, and letting go can sometimes be hard. However, if we are always loved and are given opportunities to experience life’s joys, then we have lived a great life.

Once, I was Loved is a beautiful story suitable for children aged 4+.