Run Away With Me

Run Away With Me written (and illustrated) by Brian Selznick (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $34.99 ISBN: 9781339035529

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Where do I start with this book?

Run Away With Me is young adult fiction but it was Brian Selznick’s black and white illustrations that hooked me first. Pages and pages of them – featuring the architecture and scenes of Rome – before I even got to the written narrative. Illustrations that told a story before the story began.

Sixteen-year-old Danny is spending his summer in Rome. He’s been there before. In fact, he’s been in so many places that he hardly knows where ‘home’ is, such is the life of a child whose mother is a book conservator who must move to where the work is around the world.

This summer is different though – full of magic and mystery … and love.

Danny is a little lost. Never anywhere long enough to make firm friends, he tends to wander the streets to kill time while his mother works. But then he meets Angelo, a boy full of secrets and intrigue. They spend every day together as Angelo introduces Danny to Rome’s hidden history, and they develop a special bond.

This is queer fiction for young adults at its absolute best. It’s both gentle and slow, and tense and exciting. Like a picture book, the illustrations tell half the story, and you can be excused for losing yourself in them for hours on end.

While the central theme of Run Away with Me won’t be for everyone, it does offer a sensitive window into another world for some of us, while for others it offers a mirror, allowing them to see themselves in a beautifully rendered story.

There are other elements too – the detail about Rome’s history and culture, and a step inside the world of book conservation.

I absolutely loved this book for its unique approach and beautiful multi-modal storytelling. A must-read for this age group and beyond.

Stillwater and Koo Save the World

Stillwater and Koo Save the World by Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781338812312

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Koo is a little panda with one very big idea. Bighearted Koo wants to fix all the things that are wrong, and save the world. Today. Of course, before Koo can make the world a better place, there are chores to be done – like tidying the bedroom, feeding Jasper the cat and clearing the leaves from the fishpond. Koo notices that simply completing these chores makes a difference: “I feel happy!”

Guided by Uncle Stillwater, Koo goes about making a difference in more lives – baking a welcome cake for their new neighbours and saving a family of ducks from an oncoming truck.

But, at the end of the day, has Koo saved the world?

Written and illustrated by Jon J Muth, Stillwater and Koo Save the World explores the importance of everyone doing their bit – no matter how small. Every little thing contributes to making the world a better place through small acts of kindness and care.

Walking alongside Koo and Stillwater as they go about their day encourages young readers (and older readers) to see that they can make a difference, and prompts adults to acknowledge that children, too, face many challenges and worries.

Jon J Muth’s watercolour and pencil illustrations set the perfect atmosphere for this gentle reflective story and readers will also delight in Koo’s words – always spoken in haiku.

Stillwater and Koo Save the World is a gorgeous, quiet story, targeted at readers aged from 4 to 8. However, I believe it is the perfect read for all ages.

Blueberry Farm

Blueberry Farm by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press, Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN: 9781761205644

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Stephen Michael King has done it again with a simple, yet delightful picture book celebrating country life, Blueberry Farm.

Giving young readers a window into a morning routine on a farm, we follow Henna, Ziggs and Moe as they say ‘good morning’ to all their animals, collect the eggs, feed the pony, gather blueberries and pick fresh flowers – all before breakfast. And, what’s for breakfast? Why – blueberry pancakes, of course.

City-dwelling readers may gain a few (albeit rose-coloured) insights into the joys of farm life, along with the plethora of jobs those living on a farm must complete. There is much for children to find and discuss in King’s gorgeous illustrations and words. How many red birds can you find? What sounds to animals make? What chores are there to do on a farm? What can you see, hear, smell and taste?

Blueberry Farm, with its beautiful and vibrant watercolour and ink illustrations, speech bubbles and simple recount-style storyline invites interaction and prompts discussion.

Perfect for young readers from 3 to 7 years of age, Blueberry Farm is another heartwarming offering from this multi-award-winning author and illustrator who also brought us Leaf and Mutt Dog.

Stillwater and Koo Save the World

Stillwater and Koo Save the World by Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press), RRP $26.99, Hardcover Picture Book, ISBN 9-781338-812312

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Koo the young panda wakes up one morning and announces to his uncle, Stillwater, that he’d like to save the world today. “That’s a very big idea,” says Stillwater and proceeds to help Koo by tackling smaller tasks first, such as tidying his room and feeding their cat, giving Koo a sense of accomplishment. As the day progresses, while performing various deeds of kindness, they discuss Koo’s concern for the world being so large yet at the same time so delicate. At the end of the day, Koo wonders whether saving the world is even possible. Wise Stillwater assures him that each time he does something good, he saves the world a little bit and “you will do a little bit more tomorrow.”

Beautifully illustrated by the author-illustrator, the pictures convey calm purpose and serenity in nature. The story gives children and adult readers alike a sense of hope that by tackling the little things with care and kindness, we’re contributing to preserving the earth. The concept is appropriately targeted at children aged 4-7 years and particularly resonated with my son who comes up with similar questions to Koo.

Something to note for the adults reading this story to kids is that Stillwater is a Zen panda and Koo is speaking in haiku, which is a Japanese style of poem consisting of 3 lines and 17 syllables. Koo’s speech reads as quite formal and unusual for a character who is meant to be a child, so after I learnt why, I used it as a syllable counting game with my kids on a second reading.

Going to Big School

Going to Big School by Laura Sieveking, illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN: 9781761201585

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Ava is excited to start ‘big school’, but Jack feels nervous. When the bell rings, Ava races to the front of the line, while Jack clings to his mum. In the classroom, Ava makes Jack laugh, and the two children colour in pictures together. During the afternoon, when the children are allowed to play with the classroom toys, Ava and Jack enjoy building block towers so much that Jack doesn’t feel scared or shy anymore.

In this gentle story aimed at three-to six-year-olds, Laura Sieveking juxtaposes two very different experiences of the first day at school in order to normalise children’s feelings about this momentous occasion. Effortless first-person text draws the child reader deep into the mind and emotions of each character, while the clever use of two distinct fonts ensures that youngsters always know whose perspective they are seeing.

Danielle McDonald’s cartoon-like illustrations are bold and bright, and they visually entwine the idea of school with the concepts of pleasure and positivity. Her contrasting characterisations of Ava and Jack celebrate diversity and reveal that skin colour is no barrier to fun and friendship.

A perfect present for any child who is about to begin kindy or prep, Going to Big School will pave the way for a settled start to the school year. This book is sure to be read again and again as children seek to settle the fluttering butterflies in their tummy.

Grumpy Monkey – Party Time

Grumpy Monkey – Party Time by Suzanne and Max Lang (Scholastic Press) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760975104

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Grumpy Monkey – Party Time, is a delightful book about overcoming anxiety and learning it is okay not to follow the crowd.

Jim Panzee receives an invitation to Porcupine’s party, but he is anxious about going because he doesn’t know how to dance. His friends all try to teach Jim some moves, and he is swept along by their enthusiasm, all the way to the party. Unable to bear it any longer, Jim’s declaration that he doesn’t want to be there is met with disbelief… until some of the other animals confess that they are uncomfortable too.

Grumpy Monkey – Party Time is not a picture book that can be quietly to a child at bedtime (if you really want them to go to sleep). I read this to kindergarten and year one children at school and found myself being dragged into the story, doing all the voices and actions. I had to stop at times to let the children catch their breath and gather them back in as they were literally rolling around on the floor in hysterics. At the end, I was met with calls of “Read it again.”

The team at Scholastic who put this book together have done a wonderful job. Suzanne Lang’s story is tight and funny and the illustrations by Max Lang are bold and bright and suit the text perfectly. The design elements with the huge fold out centre pages add to the overall appeal. I highly recommend this book. It is one that adults will love reading to their children.

Bedtime is Boring

Bedtime is Boring by David Campbell and Daron Parton (Scholastic Press) RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760976507

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Bedtime is Boring is another picture book by David Campbell and Daron Parton with a theme that parents can relate to. Stupid Carrots was about having a child who is a fussy eater. Bedtime is Boring, looks at the antics of a child refusing to go to bed.

The design elements of this book are eye-catching and bright, from the fluorescent orange cover and yellow end pages. The illustrations by Daron Parton, like the earlier book, are clean and simple with no fussy backgrounds.

Billy is a young rabbit who has decided he does not want to go to bed, even when his parents insist. He has too much to do and no time for sleep. This scenario is something every parent has gone through. I don’t think David Campbell was as successful with Bedtime is Boring as it lacked some of the clever humour in Stupid Carrots.

Bedtime is Boring is a picture book that can be enjoyed by parents and children alike. I recommend this book for preschool and early school aged children.

Stupid Carrots

 

Stupid Carrots– by David Campbell and Daron Parton (Scholastic Press) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760970024

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Stupid Carrots is a picture book with a theme every parent can relate to -- having a child who is a fussy eater. From end page to end page, this book is beautifully designed. The colour palette is appealing, and the illustrations are clean and simple with no fussy backgrounds. The text and illustration both work to enhance the other in this delightful picture book.

Betty is a young rabbit who has decided that carrots are stupid, and she does not like them, and she will not eat them. Her attempts at convincing her parents of this fact are amusingly flawed and absolutely typical of my own children’s attempts to avoid food they had never tried but were still convinced they hated.

Stupid Carrots is a book that can be enjoyed by parents and children alike. The entire team who put this book together have done a wonderful job. I definitely recommend it for preschool and school-aged children. It is a fun attention grabber, sure to leave them laughing.

Pig the Winner

Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-428-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Pig the Pug and his good friend Trevor are back. This time it’s Pig’s need to win at all costs that is highlighted. And as always, it is up to Trevor to save the day, and the Pug, but does this long suffering sausage dog get any thanks? Well, no, not really. But Pig does learn his lesson and the two dogs emerge as close as they were in the beginning.

Pig the Winner is a hilarious look at fair play and sportsmanship. 

Told in rollicking, rhyming verse which is a joy to read aloud, this cautionary tale will be an instant hit for those, young and old who have already fallen in love with these two dogs, and for those who are meeting them for the first time.

Trevor would say to him

‘Let’s just have fun.’

But Pig would reply –

‘It ain’t fun till I’ve won!’ 

The illustrations support the tone and humour of the story. Bright, glossy pages feature fabulous expressions on the two friends, taking the meaning of the text a step further. 

Fabulous fun for three year olds and older, Pig the Winner is the third Pig the Pug book. Each is as enjoyable as the last.

Aaron Blabey is a multi-award-winning author/illustrator and his genius is not in picture books alone. The Bad Guys is a very funny graphic novel series for middle grade readers which I would highly recommend as well. 

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978-1-76015-906-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Turtle woke to play with his friend it was raining and when he knocked on Snail’s shell, he did not come out. Turtle tried to entice Snail out with all the fun tricks Snail usually loved: dancing, juggling, spinning, but still Snail stayed inside his shell. So, as the rain continued, day after day, and Snail continued to stay inside his shell, Turtle waited patiently and built a wonderful surprise for his friend.

This is a beautiful picture book story showing the warmth and importance of loyal friendship. Turtle is exactly the sort of friend everyone would love to have, one who stays true until you feel like coming out of your shell.

The words used are simple, full of movement, full of repetition and a joy to read aloud. ‘He added shapes and blobs of paint. Everything looked spooshy and bright and runny and wet’ The shapes and blobs of paint are dotted about the pages, twining in and out of the pictures, which moderates the speed and the rhythm the story is read at: ‘He gathered, ripped, bent, chewed ..’ with the author-illustrator providing space for the reader to stop and look at the illustrations.

The illustrations are instantly recognisable as belonging to King. The pages have a glow about them, even through the rain, with leaves forming frames around some pictures, and the detail of little animals among the foliage. The wonderful quirky character of Turtle comes out in his expressions, his hat and his beautifully patterned and brightly coloured shell.

Snail too, even though he is mostly curled up in his shell, has a sense of character shining through in the lean of his shell, in the way single raindrops seem to find his back, and through Turtle’s interaction with him.

A sequel to Snail and Turtle are Friends, Snail and Turtle Rainy Days is a subtle look at depression, and we can all help those who are feeling a little down and out at times.

This is a gorgeous picture book for a snuggly read with preschoolers. It will promote discussion about friendships and how we can help each other.

Don't Call Me Bear!

Don't Call Me Bear! By Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 97 1 76015 984 9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Don't Call Me Bear! is a new picture book from prolific, popular and wildly funny author Aaron Blabey. Using dry humor and a wonderfully sarcastic and grumpy tone, this story explores the question as to why koalas are constantly referred to as bears when they are, in actual fact, a marsupial.

Kangaroos are kangaroos.

You don't call emus 'chooks'.

A platypus is not a duck,

Even though that's how he looks.

Warren the Koala Bear takes the reader on a journey around the world - pointing out all the bears he is not, and then introduces the reader to other Australian marsupials who are respectfully called by their correct title. So, why, he asks (perhaps not so very politely), is he still called a bear?

The other marsupials may have hit on the right answer at the end of the story.

The rhythm and rhyme of this picture book are great for reading aloud and the font changes in the text help direct the emotion and tone of the story.

Blabey's pictures are just as entertaining as his words. Expressive faces and body language enhance the dry humour of the story. The illustrations are bold and bright, with colour filling the whole page, the text appearing in speech bubbles, or on signs as part of the illustration.

This picture book is sure to tickle the funny-bones of children from three years of age and will also amuse any older readers who are lucky enough to have a child hand them this book asking, 'Can you read me this, please?'

The Whole Caboodle

The Whole Caboodle by Lisa Shanahan, illustrated by Leila Rudge (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-932-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Whole Caboodle is a delightfully refreshing and surprising counting book. Using lyrical language with a rhythm which rolls exquisitely off the tongue this is a book begging to be read aloud over and over again.

 ‘Seven racey-chasey Giant Schnoodles?

 Eight snuggly-juggly Bassetoodles?’

There are dogs to be found on every page. Children will love listening to the silly words which fit these dogs beautifully and have fun spotting dogs in unlikely places. The simple concept of a dog walk has been transformed into so much more in such a wonderfully clever way, through both text and illustrations.

Each colourful page hides the dogs described. But not in a busy bustling way, or in a ‘search the page carefully’ way. Rather in obvious and fitting way – dog shaped clouds, or dogs instead of horses on a merry-go-round (the racey-chasey ones).

These illustrations are soft and playful with the happiness and love of dogs shining through, right to the very last (wordless) page. A stumbly-jumbly one.

This picture book is fabulous for pre-school readers, especially lovers of dogs and bubbly language.

Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas

Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-578-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Brian is an unusual piranha. He enjoys eating fruit and vegetables. And even though the rest of the piranhas think he’s crazy, Brian is determined to get his friends to try them.

I love everything this author produces and this light-hearted picture book is no exception. Here, Blabey’s sense of humour is perfectly pitched to grab the attention of all, from toddlers through to early primary aged children.

‘Or would you rather a bowl of peas?’

‘Stop it Brian. We eat knees.’

The muddy green piranhas are wonderfully drawn, with expressive eyes and mouth. The brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contrast with skin toned feet, knees and other body parts of unwary swimmers as Brian tries to tempt the other piranhas with his fruit platter.

The simplicity of the story-line and text reads well with a catchy rhythm and great rhyme, perfect for reading aloud. The repetitive element which runs through the story will appeal to young children, while older readers will be happy to read this book as many times as they are asked. The ending will have all readers, young and old, giggling each time.

Please don’t overlook the end-papers which give definitions - Blabley’s anyway- of both piranhas and bananas.

I’m sure every preschooler will be able to guess which body part Brian’s friends all like best!

My Dad is a Giraffe

My Dad is a Giraffe by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-594-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

All Dads are different. Maybe your Dad is tall, and gentle, and fun. Maybe your Dad is a giraffe.

My Dad is a Giraffe, an imaginative and whimsical story about a boy and his Dad, is a new picture book from well loved Australian author Stephen Michael King.  His illustrations, some simple, some more detailed, have small surprises for those who look closely. They are colourful, but not bright, giving the book a gentle feel. Full of quiet humour, the pictures clearly show the bond between child and parent and the joy they have in each other’s company.

The text is simple and varied. Some pages have a few sentences on them, some have only a few words, but all roll off the tongue beautifully. My Dad protects me, listens to my fears and helps me feel brave.

This is a picture book where words and pictures make perfect sense together. Or you could look just at the pictures, or listen to the words only.

This is a lovely tribute to Dads. Most children – and parents – will relate to the concepts within the story and the imagination through which they are delivered. Wonderful to read out loud, it is a book which should stand the test of many bedtime repetitions.

The Bad Guys: Episode 1

The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-042-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Aaron Blabey is back. And this time he has created a junior chapter book/graphic novel which should be read by everyone between the ages of seven and ninety.

Mr Wolf is sick of being seen as the bad guy. So, along with his somewhat reluctant friends Mr Shark, Mr Snake and Mr Piranha, he sets out to prove to the world that he is a nice guy. And the best place to start is with rescuing a cat. But what if the cat does not want to be rescued by a gang of nice guys with really big teeth who surround the base of the tree? And can they survive Mr Piranha’s constantly bad gas? Can Mr Snake stop swallowing the wrong things? What did happen to Mr Shark’s hat? Are these characters really capable of being nice guys? This first episode of The Bad Guys answers most of these questions and many more in a laugh-aloud roller coaster adventure.

Chapter headings such as Cruising for Trouble set the tone for each chapter well, and the text and pictures work hand in hand to create the humour and characters of the story. The humour is dry and sarcastic and the four bad guys have very distinctive, individual personalities. The illustrations of the laid-back shark, a somewhat sly snake and an often car-sick piranha are fabulous. Mr Wolf experiences so many emotions throughout – frustration being a top contender - which are all depicted with a variety of facial expressions that will have the reader in stitches.

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed aloud so often that my family kept asking me what I was reading. Then they devoured it themselves when it was their turn. I hope the next instalment is out soon.

Bush Rescue: Pup Patrol #2

Bush Rescue: Pup Patrol #2 by Darrel and Sally Odgers (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-300-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

James and Stamp are on the road again but this time they are joined in the Fourby 4WD by new friend Ace, a mixed breed of Terrier with no manners. It is up to Barnaby Station Stamp Of Approval - Stamp for short - and his master James to teach Ace how to behave.

But before they can travel too far a new arrival flies in through the window and perches on the seat next to Ace. Stamp is happy to talk to someone new but Ace is not so sure about Daisy Ado the Cockatoo so James decides on a detour through the next town to find her owner.

In town, there is a smell of smoke in the air and the local vet asks James and Stamp to help look after all the animals being brought in by worried owners as a bushfire moves closer. Will the town have to evacuate? Can they find Daisy Ado's owner in time?

This is a lovely new Australian series for young readers and animal lovers. The adventure and excitement is balanced by the humour and the really likeable, engaging characters. Each animal in the story has a wonderful name along with their own unique personality. In this emergency situation there are all sorts of animals together who wouldn't usually mingle and it makes for fabulous and humorous conversation.

More difficult words or dogisms are printed in bold and can be found in Stamp’s Glossary at the end of every chapter. Many challenging words within this story are words which relate to emergencies and bushfires.

Great for early readers (6 years and over),  Bush Rescue is filled with lovely black and white illustrations including adorable pictures of Stamp the Border Collie and Ace, the Terrier. The gentle humour is often in the play between animal and human, or the talk amongst the animals. The relationship between Stamp and his master James is a lovely one. 

There is a sensible, rather than sensational, approach to bushfires, safety and pet care. The Australian flavour feels comfortable within the setting, story and language.

Hurry Up Alfie

Hurry Up Alfie by Anna Walker (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-991-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Sometimes getting ready to go out can take time. Alfie’s dad can be a little impatient, “Hurry up, Alfie!” But this time it seems that Alfie knows better than Dad, just what clothing is required for a day out in the park.

 

This is an energetic and engaging book about the procrastinations of one child, and the patience and exasperation his father. It is a scenario many parents – and their children – will recognise and is told with simplicity and humour. It is a joy to read.

I love Walker’s illustrations; they are busy and lively as Dad tries to keep up with his little crocodile who whizzes around on his scooter, tries to do headstands, and plays with the cat. The details are quirky with lots of little surprises and the pictures portray a beautiful relationship between the father and son.

Hurry up Alfie is a warm story which will be shared with many laughs between parents and pre-schoolers.

 

Pig the Pug

Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-477-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

This is an absolutely delightful book. Pig is a pug dog who will not share. He is selfish and rude and in the end receives his comeuppance in a most unexpected, humorous and satisfying way.

Told in rhyme which rolls off the tongue smoothly, the sing-song rhythm creates an atmosphere of immediacy and just begs to be read aloud over and over again.

    He lived in a flat

    with sausage dog, Trevor.

    But when was he nice to him?

    I’ll tell you – NEVER.

Young children will identify with the behaviours displayed by both Pig and Trevor, recognising which ones are unreasonable and antisocial.

The illustrations are big and bold and funny. Trevor with his glorious toothy smile will grab hearts immediately, while fat wrinkly Pig with his big eyes and big frown hugs his bowl of food or toys to his chest. It is a story which could be followed through the pictures alone which emphasise the humour of the text on every page. I cannot remember loving an ending to a picture book more and the concept that pigs cannot fly is used so effectively without it feeling like a cliché.

Ultimately a story about sharing and bad puppies coming to a sticky ending, this is such a fun book. I giggle each time I get to the end. Children from the age of three and up will appreciate the humour, the concept and the cheekiness of this fabulous rollicking story.

Poppy Cat

Poppy Cat by Sara Acton (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-016-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Poppy is a playful cat, a copy-cat, and this is just perfect for her young owner. She and her little girl spend the day doing things together but sometimes Poppy can be a little mischievous.

I love Sara Acton's picture books and this one is no exception. The companionship between the girl and cat are brought out wonderfully in the simplicity of the story, the gorgeous illustrations and the way the words roll off the tongue. 'Poppy is a copy cat. She follows me wherever I go.'

This would make a lovely bedtime story with it’s gentle nature and lovely rhythm. Also with the way the story 'holds' the day - beginning with the girl and cat rising to dress and ending with a calm cuddle; the little girl’s pink spotted pyjama's making lovely bookends to the story.

Acton's illustrations are painted and messy, giving a sense of movement and fun, but with gentle colours, not hectic. She doesn't fill the page with colour, but let's her pictures wander to any part of the page. A cheeky feather in the corner of a page teasing Poppy, or the delightful picture of a small cat followed by little blue paw prints after an incident with paint. This is a picture book where words and pictures come together to create the story a child experiences.

I think young children will respond to this book immediately, with affection and the intimacy that comes from relating to, and living in, a story.

A beautiful book for toddlers and up.

Fire

Fire by Jackie French, illustrations by Bruce Whatley (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-817-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Jackie French and Bruce Whatley have once again produced a beautiful, evocative and powerful picture book where text and illustrations blend together creating a moving experience. Fire is a simple story, told in smooth rhyme, of a bushfire, hungry and intense, sweeping across the land. It speaks of the brave fire-fighters, the affected people and the cyclical nature of our earth.

The words used to tell the story are not only poetic and evocative, but they also create a build up in the intensity to match the flames. As the fire increases in power, short, sharp text controls the reading speed, increasing the urgency:

   Time to run, to try to flee

   Gulping smoke and singed debris.

Then, as the emergency lessens, so too, the text calms and softens:

    Riches are a loved one’s hand

    Safety from the flame-fed land.

The words themselves force you to slow down.

The illustrations are amazing. The way the fire has been captured, with flicks of paint adding to the swirling ash and dirtiness of the landscape, creates a tense atmosphere. Whatley’s illustrations capture emotions, the panic, the claustrophobia, choking fullness of the fire and the poignant grief and despair of the aftermath.

The ending, full of hope and regrowth, balances the story nicely. As does the cockatoo, through whose eyes we see the beginnings of the fire, and the beginnings of the recovery.

This story would be suitable for four year olds and older. The rhythm and the way it sounds when read out loud is very engaging and exciting. It is intense, but not scary and the language is easily accessible for them:

  Fire trucks, a barricade

  Arched hoses of the fire brigade

  Holding the red monster back

  Facing each high blazed attack.

For young and old, this picture book will encourage many important conversations - fire, living in the bush, and the cycles of nature, among others. I would encourage older children to read it too. Fire shows beautifully how poetry, words and images can create incredible emotion. And anyone who has been close to such an experience (and bushfires are not uncommon in Australia) will relate to this story.