We Are All Kind

We Are All Kind by P. Crumble, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley (Omnibus Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781760972363

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

This follow-up to 2018’s We Are All Equal shows its young audience the many ways to be kind, using rhyming couplets illustrated by charming animal scenes. Kindness is approached in a creative and expansive way, inviting the reader to broaden their own sense of what it means to be kind. Alongside friendliness, helpfulness and sharing, for example, We Are All Kind covers inclusion, forgiveness, and hospitality.

For those most familiar with P Crumble’s work through Kevin the custard-obsessed cat, this book will probably be a surprise. We Are All Kind is sweet and sincere, with none of the sarcastic humour and thematic subtlety of the Cat books. That said, one spread packs a punch, starkly criticising humanity’s destruction of the environment in pursuit of wealth and influence. 

The illustrations are captivating and carry the book through some spreads where the text feels forced to achieve the rhyme. From heart-warming expressions of pure love and joy to a heartbreaking portrayal of a hungry donkey, the drawings by themselves are enough to keep a reader returning to the pages.

Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and children in the early school years will adore this reassuring, calm and gorgeous book. Parents and teachers will find a wealth of ideas to explore using the text as a springboard. Be prepared to read aloud on repeat.

The Witch’s Britches

The Witch’s Britches by P. Crumble, illustrated by Lucinda Gifford (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-153-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

What would happen if it started raining magical underwear? Ethel, a young witch, is about to find out. A gust of wind steals her britches from her washing line and blows them off towards the park. Can Ethel catch up to them before too much magical damage is done?

Crumble is very clever with humorous rhyme. Her stories always have great imagination and silly situations which children love. The Witch’s Britches is a funny story with a catchy rhythm.

Each week she washed her britches with care.

Her magic relied on clean underwear.

The vibrant illustrations add to the fun and it is through them that the personalities of Ethel and her cat emerge. Along with the colour and movement, there is plenty to see in the pictures when you look closely; the seasons changing outside the window, what people are doing before the magic undies hit, and many other subtle details.

This is a story which will engage preschool children, hit their funny bones and be read many times.