Waiting for the Night

Waiting for the Night by Julie Thorndyke, illustrated by Anna Seed (IP Kidz) HB RRP $26.00 ISBN: 9781925231519

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

‘Magic comes at night’ for Australia’s many nocturnal creatures. As dusk falls across the landscape, animals and birds await the cover of darkness before stirring from their slumber. The flying fox clings to the branch, ‘wrapped in soft wings’, while possums are curled up ‘well out of sight’. Torch in hand, a little boy sees the night come to life as eyes twinkle at him from every direction.

Waiting for the Night is a gentle rhyming story for children aged eight and under. With tranquil text that reflects the dreamy nature of the creatures before the sun goes down, this is an ideal book for bedtime reading. Julie Thorndyke beautifully blends real-life observations of Australian native animals and birds with captivating imagery, ensuring that her characters are authentic yet appealing.

Anna Seed’s full-spread colour illustrations support and augment the text admirably. From the olive green of bush foliage and the vibrant red of the Sturt’s desert pea to the stunning oranges streaking across the background at sunset, Anna has expertly captured the unique tones of various Australian environments. Her subtle change in sky colour from image to image as day becomes night is superb, while her renditions of fauna successfully tread the fine line between realism and idealism.

The pairing of simple, rhythmical text and calm illustrations makes this book the perfect choice for reading aloud to youngsters before they go to sleep. As they drift off, children are sure to enjoy pleasant dreams about the countless charming creatures that are ‘waiting for the night’.

Leave Taking

Leave Taking by Lorraine Marwood (UQP) PB   RRP $14.95 ISBN: 978 0 7022 6011 7

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Here is a new verse novel for younger readers from the celebrated author of Star Jumps, the 2010 winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Children’s Fiction. The theme of Leave Taking had its genesis in the author’s own (successful) battle with cancer and her move away from the farm where she raised her children. Basically, this book is a journey through grief and a celebration of hope, with Toby, his mum and dad, leaving their family farm after the death of Toby’s younger sister, Leah. Together, they sort through all their belongings and put things aside to sell or throw out. It’s a big task, and naturally Toby doesn’t want to leave the only place he’s called home.

As his last day on the farm approaches, Toby has a plan -- to say goodbye to all the things and places that mean something special to him and Leah, from the machinery shed and Pa’s old truck to the chook house. With the help of his best friend, Trigger the dog, he learns what it means to take your leave.

As Toby says good-bye in this final week, he experiences camping, a clearing sale and a bonfire night, meanwhile undertaking chores such as milking cows, tidying up and packing.

This is a gentle story with no dramatic moments; the story action rolling smoothly through the course of the last week on the farm.

Written in easy-to-read free verse, the book will appeal to readers aged 7 to 10 years who prefer short sentences and stanzas with plenty of white space and pared-back descriptions. Simple black and white line illustrations scattered through the book with drawings on the fly pages add to the book’s appeal.

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas: Book Review

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Cecilia Johansson (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781925594034

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Tom is told that when he goes to stay with his Aunt Roz there’ll be a new friend for him to play with. Tom is excited, until he actually meets this potential new playmate…. Ellie, his Aunt’s pet pug! Tom is not happy. Does Ellie bite? Does Ellie snore? Does Ellie poop where she’s not supposed to? No, no and no. Ellie receives privileges that most pets don’t. Ellie does things most pets don’t. Ellie wears pyjamas, eats at cafés, wears hats and rides a skateboard. She is beyond spoilt and Tom is far from impressed, especially because Ellie gets all the attention wherever they go. Will they ever be friends?

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas is a cute picture book about a pet being treated like one of the family. It is a brightly illustrated book that includes a combination of single page images, double page spreads and vignettes. The simple lilac end papers beautifully sum up the indulged pooch’s life. This book is suitable for children aged 3-6. It would particularly appeal to dog lovers and any young families who’ve ever referred to their pet as a ‘fur baby’.