Patience

Patience by Robert Vescio (IP Kidz), RRP $26.00 Picture Book ISBN 9-781922-332769

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Patience is a big, fluffy, enthusiastic dog who follows her owner everywhere. Told from the point of view of the owner who starts out as a young girl, she and Patience are best friends and have similar characters. Most of the time they are the complete opposite of patient. They find it difficult to wait for their turn, they can’t stand still, they knock others over or tie them up in knots with Patience’s leash. But they come as a package with other very positive characteristics and, as they grow together, they also learn from each other.

 

With few words and expressive illustrations by Krista Brennan, much is conveyed. We get a clear sense of the carefree yet busy nature of the girl and the dog, oblivious to how their behaviour is impacting others. We can also interpret the story from two points of view: is the narrator talking about the impatient traits of her dog or about herself?

 

I read this with my hyperactive son and the underlying message was clear to him: that good things can come with a conscious effort to slow down and be patient. This book is targeted for preschool, but may also be useful to read with slightly older kids who could benefit from a reminder that patience has its rewards.

The Storytellers

The Storytellers by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Krista Brennan (IP Kidz)

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This picture book shows how stories shape lives. It begins with a small boy, Henry, who loves words and who grows up to be an author. It also encompasses numerous people from all over the world who are involved in telling stories, not only in words, but also in illustrations and film.

As an adult Henry posts off his manuscript: it is read by Alexia, a child reader who loves illustrations, and who, as an adult, ‘built a mighty publishing empire.’ Meanwhile, in a small remote village, Imani draws and colours. As an adult she catches the eye of a dark-skinned publisher. In an Asian kitchen, Seiko learns to read. This leads her to opening a shop ‘where stories ignite the imagination of young and old.’ Here Henry attends a book signing.

Another storyteller in this book is Jerome who likes the film things with his camera, which leads to him turning a children’s story into a movie masterpiece. One of these stories is The Dragon’s Lair, which was written by Henry. At the movie’s premier an illustration shows Henry, Imani, and Alexia. Meanwhile, in India, Ravi builds all sorts of things. He designs and creates an ‘extraordinary wonderland for guests, known as The Dragon’s Lair.

From a story written by Henry, other storytellers build worlds which connect with others. This book shows that whether it’s words on a page, a storyboard for a picture book or sketches on a screen, storytellers create, entertain and delight. The book ends with the words, ‘What’s your story?’, inviting the reader to also become a storyteller.

The final illustration is of a man with a sword on the back of a fire-breathing dragon. Throughout the book, starting with Henry, the writer, are illustrations – or suggestions of illustrations – of a green dragon. This is another link to each of the creatives who appear in the story.

The attractive illustrations appear to be computer-generated, though Brennan usually works in watercolour.

Vescio is an international award-winning author of children’s picture books with The Storytellers being his most recent. This book would mostly likely most appeal to readers aged 7+ years.

 

The Art of Words

The Art of Words by Robert Vescio and Joanna Bartel (EK Books) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781925820843

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

The Art of Words is a beautifully designed picture book from end paper to end paper. It is an exploration of the wonder of writing, for the child who is just discovering the magic of words. 

Through the book we find some of the amazing things about words and what we can do with them. Words can be stretched and shortened, reversed, and sewn together. They can be big, or small, colourful, or ugly. The book even shows that through punctation, words can shout, ask a question, pause, and abbreviate. And if they are stitched together into a story, they can be shared.

The Art of Words is not a traditional story picture book: however, there is a visual storyline running through the pages, of the two characters and their dog, on their journey of discovery into the wonder of words. 

The team at EK Books have produced a visually delightful book. The illustrations by Joanna Bartel are a great fit for Robert Vescio’s text. The design elements of this book are first class.

This is probably not a book a younger child would ask for as a bedtime story but for a child discovering the power of words, it is a definite winner.

The Art of Words

The Art of Words, written by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Joanna Bartel, (EK Books) PB HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978 1 925820843                                 

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Robert Vescio is an internationally published children’s author who is a master at picture book stories. The Art of Words is not only a clever book but totally unique. It is a super-dooper read all about words, where to find them, how to create them and who helps them. Words are everywhere. They can be shortened, extended, and switched around. Robert has written this story with very few words, too.

 

Robert Vescio is a children’s author who keeps on surprising, just like a box of chocolates. Robert explores words by speaking directly to the reader and getting them to think for themselves. He uses very few words but implies so much more, that it makes one smile. Robert opens the reader’s mind like a Pandora’s box and tah dah! They think for themselves. On a double page spread we see one word – Everywhere. This leads to thinking about the many places we can find words. The fact that words are big and little is also captivating as even children’s names can be big or small. This book shows us so much without telling. I can just picture a child saying, ‘I know a really big word.’ Lots of discussion can be around colourful and ugly words. How often have you thought that ugly words can make you feel bad? This is a book that empowers children with word knowledge. I won’t give all the book’s secrets away but it is a treat. The ending is perfect.

 

The illustrator Joanna Bartel has created a cracker of a cover which immediately catches the eye. The two children featured, show the book is about word play but it also reflects gender and diversity, and even differences like glasses. The endpapers are perfect with letters of the alphabet on a dark background. Joanna shows the children seeking and finding as they word play. The opening spread is powerful with each child in a tree filled with leaves. Much as it is impossible to count all the leaves on trees, so it is the same with words. We are introduced to a small dog that is a sidekick character who joyfully helps the children.  Nature features throughout, which is unusual for a book about words, yet it is a perfect fit. The illustrator has done a wonderful job on a special book.

 

The Art of Words, is a picture book that has all the right words in all the right places. It is suitable for children 4 to 8 years old and is a wonderful resource for a classroom for grades preschool to year 3. This is a book that will find its way into many tiny hearts and onto lots of bookshelves everywhere.

 
Happiness is a Cloud, written by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Nancy Bevington (Big Sky Publishing, 2020) ISBN: 9781922265715

Paperback, 32 pp RRP $14.99 

Reviewed by Julie Thorndyke

This picture book is a refreshing, uplifting look at cloud-spotting. Harry and his father, together with dog Jasper, enjoy cloud watching. The book takes us through different moods with different cloud shapes, from happiness to sadness, fear, and loneliness, and back to happiness again.

A background of photographs provides a realistic backdrop for the hand drawn figures of the father, boy and dog.

A narrative arc is provided as the characters walk on the beach observing clouds. Jasper the df goes missing. The mood turns dark like the sky. But a happy ending is assured with the return of Harry’s canine companion.

In a subtle but strong way, this book shows the importance of being in the natural world and the beneficial effect nature can have in our human lives.

“. . . that day, Harry floated home, just like a happy cloud.”

Something we all can use more of.

 

 

The Voyage

The Voyage by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Andrea Edmonds (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781925820034

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

The Voyage is a wonderful, thought-provoking picture book about a young family forced to escaped the perils of their homeland and take a risk to seek a better life in another country.

The story is told in only 14 words, but each word is perfect, poignant and powerful. The accompanying pictures, created with pencil and watercolour, beautifully depict the challenges, risks, fears and sadness that come with escaping your homeland and the hope of seeking safety and protection elsewhere.

The Voyage is a highly engaging story with short text that allows careful consideration to be given to every word and each illustration. The adult reader and the young listener are free to delve into the words, pictures and themes as much or as little as they see appropriate. This narrative does evoke a sense of sadness, but it also has a happy ending.

The book is visually appealing with a large gold foil title on the cover, contrasting with a dark blue background, as well as lovely illustrations and endpapers. The Voyage has themes of family, refugees, courage, empathy and hope and is highly recommended for all primary school students.

Window of Hope

Window of Hope by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Demelsa Haughton (Little Pink Dog Books) RRP HB $24.95
ISBN 9780648256366

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Max is a little girl who looks at life but does not participate in it. She is safe and comfortable observing the world from her bedroom window. Immaculately dressed for nothing in particular, Max sits at the window and watches as children play and seasons go by.

It is not until a unique white bird perches on her window ledge that things start to change. When Max notices that the bird only has one leg she wonders if it feels sad. The bird takes a liking to Max and stays to play for a while. She soon realises that the bird is special and can do lots of amazing things. It lifts her spirits and awakens something inside of her. On the final page we see Max outside enjoying life and realise why she previously felt safer inside.

Window of Hope is a picture book with gorgeous soft digital paintings that complement the gentle narrative well. The story is about individuality, disability, capability and courage, and would suit children over 5 years old. This book highlights the fact that ‘life is what you make of it’ and it may encourage readers to move beyond their comfort zone and experience life more fully.

The Box Cars

The Box Cars by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Cara King (EK Books) PB

ISBN: 9781925335835 RRP: $24.99

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

Liam and Kai are best friends. They love playing in the park every day, with their cars made from cardboard boxes. Their imaginations run wild. Sometimes they are police officers, sometimes they are drivers for movie stars and sometimes they are taxi drivers.

One day Eve was watching them and enjoying their games. She cheered and waved and ran alongside. Liam and Kai offered Eve their box cars but there were only two cars for three people. How can they solve this problem so that all three of them can enjoy the freedom of box cars?

This is a fun tale with a simple-story line that will have broad appeal with themes of friendship, sharing and solving problems. The illustrations are soft and whimsical and a good compliment to the text. Recommended for boys and girls ages 4 – 8 years old.

Bigger than yesterday, smaller than tomorrow

Bigger than yesterday, smaller than tomorrow by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Kathy Creamer (Little Pink Dog Books) PB RRP: $24.95 ISBN: 9780994626950

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

It is the summer holidays and Hannah and Dad, and their dog Hugo, are going camping for the first time. This is an exciting adventure now that Hannah is getting older. Now that Hannah is bigger there are lots more things she could do; like protecting Hugo, helping Dad pitch the tent and climbing a tall tree.

As night approaches, Hannah doesn’t feel so big, though, and misses her Mum. Luckily, Dad is prepared with hot chocolate, bedtime books and everything that Hannah likes. But what really puts her at ease is her Mum’s scarf, wrapped snuggly around her neck, that feels just like a hug from Mum.

This is a story about a child who is discovering her independence, without straying too far from home and the security she is used to. Beautiful fun illustrations and simply told. This book will appeal to younger children ages 4 – 8 years.

Barnaby and the lost Treasure of Bunnville

Barnaby and the lost Treasure of Bunnville by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Cheri Hughes (Big Sky Publishing)

HB RRP $24.99 PB RRP $14.99

ISBN: HB 978-1-925275-64-3 PB 978-1-925275-61-2

Reviewed by Anita Howard

A story about an eco-friendly rabbit and his desire grow a garden from his collection of seeds. Barnaby is a rabbit which has collected many seeds from his travels. He wishes to create a garden where he lives, in Bunnyville. But the mayor is only interested in monetary wealth and says no to Barnaby's request. Barnaby takes advantage of the mayor’s greed and tricks him and citizens of Bunnyville, using a fake treasure map into digging holes all over the open spaces around the town.

Barnaby drops one of his seeds into each hole. Over time, the seeds turn into trees and plants, bearing fruit and vegetables which he takes to the market to sell. Barnaby tells the mayor and people of Bunnyville that here is the wealth from the ground. Through Barnaby’s achievement, infant children and older will gain an insight into the wealth and value of the earth.

The illustrations are clear, bold and playful. The additional inclusion of the ladybug and her different antics, bring anticipation as you wonder what she will do on the next page.

Marlo Can Fly

Marlo Can Fly by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Sandra Temple (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921632-41-9

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

On first impressions this book invites you to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed when I did. It is not only beautifully illustrated but beautifully written. It is the story of Marlo a young magpie that doesn’t want to fly. Instead she tries to copy the movements of various animals with humorous results.

The author Robert Vescio has managed to tell a story of this young magpie’s fear of failure, and the overcoming of this fear in a way that is not at all didactic and one children will enjoy.

Sandra Temple, the illustrator, is an award-winning artist with a love of conservation. Her illustrations are beautiful; they are soft but show the strength of the Australian bush and animals with the use of clean and crisp coloured pencils. This softness adds to the sensitivity of Marlo not wanting to fly and discovering it is something she can and should do.

 

With all of these positive elements rolled into one hard cover, this story shared by parent and child will make this book a favourite.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

No Matter Who We’re With

No Matter Who We’re With by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Cheri Scholten (IP Kidz)

HB RRP $26.95 (e-book $13.00)

ISBN 9781922120212                                            

Reviewed by Margaret Warner

This is a heartwarming story that reinforces the fact that if parents divorce, both parents still love their children. Told from the children’s perspective, the story has an authentic feel. The children relate favourite activities they do with each parent but also gently remind the reader that life isn’t the same as it used to be e.g. when they ask dad to read a particular book and he tells them it’s at their mum’s house or when mum takes them to the pool and they ask to go again tomorrow but are reminded they will be at their dad’s place.

 The children understand that while they love their mum and dad and sometimes miss one when they are with the other that one thing remains constant: both parents love them and they love both parents.

Cheri Scholten’s cover is bright and engaging showing happy children with their parents with each parent being on one side of a fence and the children between them. It literally and metaphorically sends a message of a happy family even though they are sometimes apart. The endpapers are bright little images set against a vivid yellow background. This leads into the bold images depicting a range of different activities and also different emotions.

No Matter Who We’re With is a book that would be valuable to read and discuss with young children to help them understand that even though parents might separate, their love for their children remains the same.