Parrot Palace

Parrot Palace by Susanne Gervay with Pooja Mathur & Sarah Tabassum (Little Big Sky) Paperback RRP $12.95 ISBN 9781923300088

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks 

Susanne Gervay is an Australian author renowned for her children's books that explore themes of empathy, diversity, and social issues. She is a passionate advocate for children's rights and literacy. Her work has earned numerous awards for its positive impact on young readers. In collaboration with Sarah Tabassum and Pooja Mathur, she has created Parrot Palace. This remarkable book celebrates diverse children and their families, reflecting her deep commitment to inclusion in storytelling.

Pooja Mathur is a teacher librarian who has been honoured with the Early Career Teacher Librarian Award. A passionate advocate for reading for pleasure, she is a proud promoter of Australian multicultural literature and emphasizes the vital role of school libraries in fostering a love for reading.

Sarah Tabassum is passionate about exploring the vibrant intersection of digital and traditional media in her work. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, she now calls Sydney, Australia, her home, where she draws inspiration from the diverse cultures that surround her.

Hari, Lily-Rosa, and Mikey are three adventurous and fearless kids from diverse backgrounds. They live in a three-story apartment building called Parrot Palace, where they form a close-knit team. Together, they share their dreams, concerns, and face the challenges brought by their cantankerous neighbour, Mr. Crabtree. As they tackle the problems he creates, they discover the true meaning of friendship and acceptance.

Gervay has crafted not only an engaging story but an important one. The narrative features a strong voice, created through short, simple sentences. The word choices are impactful and concise. Hari, the name of a lion in India, defends his territory and protects his family. That’s my name too. The writing cleverly conveys character traits and culture. The eleven chapters are aptly titled, and the story arc quietly builds until the confrontation with Mr. Crabtree, followed by some pushback from both sides. When something unexpected happens and a bridge is built. The dialogue and writing are perfectly suited for a younger fiction audience. He can’t be mean when he’s asleep. A blend of Indian, Chinese Hungarian, and Australian cultures reflects not only the world created in the story but also our own society, which is rich and diverse. The distinct writing style of Gervay shines through.

Tabassum's illustrations are simple, expressive, and full of character. Lifelike and soft, they convey each family's home life and culture. I love how she creates warmth and captures a childlike world so beautifully.

Parrot Palace is an immersive and engaging 121-page chapter book, perfect for children aged 7-11. It beautifully showcases play, culture, and inclusion. Adding a glossary is incredibly helpful, and the back matter about the creatives is a nice touch. This book will appeal to children, teachers, and librarians alike. It is a true celebration of love and belonging.

  

Parrot Palace

PARROT PALACE by SUSANNE GERVAY

With illustrator Sarah Tabassum, consultant Pooja Mathur,

Parrot Palace is an open invitation from the heart to step into a multi-hued, multicultural, inclusive world where difference is celebrated, tradition is valued, and the language of love is spoken. It certainly does 'make the world a better place!' A Must-Read!

Professor Meenakshi Bharat, Literature University of Delhi, India, President 
International Federation of Modern Languages and Literatures (FILLM, UNESCO 2014-17), Indian Association for the Study of Australia (IASA),

Sweet as a jalebi and heartwarming as apple pie, Parrot Palace is a moving and exciting story of childhood, friendship, neighbourliness and forgiveness. Growing up, some of my best friends were books, and how I wish I’d had a friend and a book like this, reflecting the true, warm, beating heart of Australian multicultural diversity. Hari and his friends will stay with you long after you’ve left Parrot Palace. 

Sunil Badami bon vivant raconteur flaneur Dr Sunil Badami is a writer, critic, broadcaster, academic, and regular reporter for ABC and ABC personality, SBS producing India Now.

PARROT PALACE gets under the skin of discrimination and works out ways to play, relate and celebrate inclusion.

An inaugural story by diverse creators that is filled with humour and goes to the heart of our kids and their families. Thousands of children and adults are invited to embrace our heroes in a variety of families: Hari with his Indian subcontinent heritage, Lily-Rose with Chinese and Hungarian heritage, and Mikey, our enthusiastic adventurer who always a funny joke.

PARROT PALACE gets under the skin of discrimination and works out ways to play, relate and celebrate inclusion.

ISBN 9 781923 300088

Big Sky Publishing

Parrot Palace

Parrot Palace by Susanne Gervay illustrated by Sarah Tabassum with Pooja Mathur (Published by Big Sky Publishing) Middle-grade fiction

Mikey wears a googly-eyed cap.

Lily-Rosa twirls in her ballerina tutu and fire-fighter’s helmet.

Hari with an ‘i’ has the name of a lion.

 

Three inventive, daring kids and their diverse families, live in a three-storey apartment block called Parrot Place. The backgrounds of the kids are Indian, Hungarian-Chinese, and the boys we all know and like. The kids become the best band of friends as they confront their arch-enemy, the neighbour, Mr. Crabtree. In the end, there are surprises, and everything changes.

From the opening pages, our taste buds are tantalized with the honey of jalebi, the warm sweetness of ripe strawberries, apple pie, and samosas. The natural interweaving of cultures and customs; the interplay of the different shapes and styles of family; the fears and delight of a young boy Hari finding acceptance without question. The story is light-hearted and serious at the same time. 

Parrot Palace gets under the skin of discrimination and works out ways to play, relate, and celebrate inclusion.

Shadows of Olive Trees

The audio of Susanne Gervay's YA novel Shadows of Olive Trees has just been released! Susanne's days at university in 1970s were filled with the evolving rights for women - the first test tube baby, the pill, first women's refuge, brave new feminist literature including The Female Eunuch, gender equality, the first International Women's Day.  Shadows of Olive Trees is that second rise of feminism which was the forerunner to the #MeToo  movement and the inspiring election in 2021 of Kamala Harris the first female, first Black and first South Asian US Vice President.  Now that it is in audio, it is accessible to everyone globally. In Kamala Harris’s words. ‘What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters.’    

Now it has been released as an audio book available on audible and most platforms:- Shadows of Olive Trees audiobook are now up on Google Play:  https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Susanne_Gervay_Shadows_of_Olive_Trees?id=AQAAAEB8OD94UM

Also available through ebook and in print through Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Shadows-Olive-Trees-Susanne-Gervay/dp/0648203549

Heroes of the Secret Underground

Heroes of the Secret Underground by Susanne Gervay (HarperCollins) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9781460758335

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Twelve-year-old Louie lives in Sydney’s Majestic Boutique Hotel with her Hungarian grandparents who run the establishment, and her two brothers, Bert and Teddy. Their peaceful existence is soon shattered, however, when Louie finds an old rose-gold locket marked with mysterious symbols.

During their search for answers about the locket, Louie and her brothers are transported to war-torn Budapest – where they not only discover the origins of the locket, but also uncover a tragic secret that their grandparents had buried deep in their souls for more than fifty years. In bringing the truth into the light, Louie and her brothers find a path for their family through the labyrinth of grief to the centre of harmony.

 

Based on the real-life experiences of Susanne Gervay’s parents in Nazi-occupied Hungary, Heroes of the Secret Underground is a superb time-slip tale that seamlessly melds fact with fiction. Middle-grade readers will be enthralled with the enigma of the locket, while rich historical details will immerse them in a world that is long gone but should never be forgotten.

Susanne’s use of present tense places the reader at Louie’s shoulder throughout the adventure, allowing them to encounter firsthand every breathtaking twist and turn. The darkness of hunger, pain and death is balanced beautifully with the brightness of courage, strength and love, ensuring that the reader feels hopeful and empowered by the book’s end.

Like the shadowy Danube River, Heroes of the Secret Underground carries the reader along on a dusky current of energy and emotion. Multilayered and mystical, the absorbing story will leave a lasting impression on young minds and hearts.

Author Susanne Gervay

Susanne Gervay advocates that feminism is never about men against women. It is about gender equity and opportunity. As an author, educational consultant and activist, Susanne Gervay has lived the second rise of feminism and now the #MeToo campaign.

Her books which address all ages from pre-school to young adults, empower young people to engage in feminism and human rights. You’ll find Susanne at the Istanbul Literary Festival speaking to thousands of young adults about women’s rights when Turkey is facing terrorism and threats to democracy.  You’ll find her in remote indigenous communities empowering women elders and children through her stories. Her powerful speech at the World Burn Conference in New York on her novel Butterflies addressed feminism and disability. In a juvenile detention centre, Susanne shared her books inspiring teenage girls who deserve a future.

She was awarded the Social Justice Literature Award for her body of works by the International Literacy Association. She has also been awarded an Order of Australia for youth literature, is a nominee for the Astrid Lindgren Award 2020 and a writer ambassador for Room to Read with its affirmative action for girls in developing countries. When the Museum of Australia asked Susanne to write a story for young people from 7 to 10 on the second rise of feminism, she wrote Daisy Sunshine. Her young adult novel Shadows of Olive Trees lays bare feminism. This makes Gervay the first writer to reinterpret the lived experience of young women in the seventies for an audience of young readers today.  Susanne is a national and international speaker, ambassador for literacy and social justice organisations.

Shadows of Olive Trees

Shadows of Olive Trees by Susanne Gervay PB RRP $24.99 ISBN

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Originally published in 1996, this young adult novel has proved very popular, especially with teenage girls. Set in the mid-1970's in the inner suburb of Sydney, it focuses on the emerging women’s movements as well as on the passions of young women searching for adult identity.

Tessa Kassis, aged eighteen, lives with her Greek migrant parents and younger brother. Confined by the cultural restrictions of her parents, she is trying to live the life of an Australian teenager while keeping her parents’ love and maintaining some Greek traditions. She befriends Athena and Jenny, two young women who join her in searching for independence and identity.

The author Gervay is the daughter of Hungarian refugees who migrated to Australia hoping to rebuild their lives and to be accepted in their new country while trying to maintain their own culture, so she has experienced Tessa’s dilemmas. Like her book hero Tessa, she also developed a passion for women’s rights at a time of the emerging women’s movement.

While Tessa has a dutiful respect for the cultural festivals and religious customs of her family, she faces a dilemma in wanting to live an Australian life. This dilemma causes drama, for example when she disagrees with her controlling but loving father who insists she has a chaperone such as on a university geography excursion. And, too, he insists on finding a Greek husband for her, but she rejects this as she has fallen in love with her professor, David.

There are numerous issues which Gervay tackles, not just cultural conflict, but also the importance of female friendships and sexual issues. Against a background of family traditions and restrictions, she explores Tessa’s growing awareness of her sensuality and her enjoyment of learning.

Shadows of Olive Trees is ideal for adaptation to film as it would educate and entertain a new generation of readers. It is a story of women's empowerment that has relevance today for women and men.

The Boy in the big Blue Glasses

The Boy in the big Blue Glasses by Susanne Gervay and illustrated Marjorie Crosby-Fairall (EK Books. Exile Publishing) $24.95 ISBN 9781925335996

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Like many children Sam does not want glasses: they make his ears hurt. But with the loving support of his extended family he becomes a handsome superhero. He just wants to be Sam. Will anyone recognise him? His friend George knows him, but he believes his glasses have changed him. Sam now finds lots of ways to hide his new glasses, but those pesky adults keep finding them.  Sam feels he has lost his identity.

On the day George is off school, Sam struggles casting off his blue glasses as everyone becomes silly animal shapes. Mimicking and laughing at the images in front of him Sam starts the whole class laughing and they have fun together. Sam has returned. When George returns to school, the class all join in their imaginary games, Sam is satisfied and happy that they all know him once more.

With so many children needing visual aids, this book explores not only the feelings of children but how others respond. It relays both a positive message but shares the fears that a young child might experience including reacting to change. Susanne Gervay has captured this sensitive topic in a wonderful accessible story. 

The illustrations by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall carefully depict Sam's emotional journey. A great book to start discussion on change, difference as well as glasses. This title would be suitable for older preschoolers to early primary (ages 4 to 8 years).

The Feelix Library and Braille House are transcribing the book into Braille which denotes the value to this special picture book.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses by

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall (EK Books) RRP HB $24.99
ISBN 9781925335996

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Young Sam makes it very clear from the outset that he does not want glasses. In Sammy’s world, superheroes and imaginative play reign supreme, and he enjoys the status quo. He is quite happy to stand out in ways he can control (he wears a superhero outfit everywhere he goes) but he is not yet prepared for being ‘different’ beyond his control. This is the point where the adults in his life would presumably help him navigate his way. Unfortunately for Sam, everyone overcompensates adding to his sadness and frustration.

When Sam’s family first see him in his big blue glasses, they all act surprised and pretend not to recognise him. Then they shower him with complements about how handsome he is. Sammy states that he doesn’t want to look handsome, or different, he just wants to be Sam!

Problems also arise when Sam goes to school. His teacher claims not to know who he is either. She then invites Sam to stand in front of the class for everyone to try and notice what’s different about him. Sammy is not impressed.

While the family and teacher’s comments are made with fun and jest, Sammy’s young mind doesn’t see the humour, and it only makes him uncomfortable and confused. He doesn’t like the attention and is adamant that he is not different… ‘No one sees who I am anymore.’

Sadly, these encounters result in Sam not wanting to go to school anymore and his deliberately trying to lose his glasses. When his best friend is absent from school one day Sam doesn’t have anyone to play with or anyone to stick up for him when classmates call him names. At first, he tries to hide away and sulk but soon remembers that’s not what superheroes do. So, with some courage and a ‘if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em’ approach, Sam soon makes his classmates laugh and, in the process, makes some new friends and is seen for who he is.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses is a picture book suitable for children aged 4-8 years. The illustrations are beautiful throughout and perfectly capture Sam’s experiences and emotions. This book would be a great addition to the primary classroom to initiate discussion about diversity, acceptance and uniqueness. There are plenty of lessons to be learnt for children and adults alike!

Not Just a Piece of cake: Being an Author

 Not Just a Piece of cake: Being an Author by Hazel Edwards (Brolga Publishing) PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781922 175809

Reviewed by Susanne Gervay

The hippopotamus may be eating cake, but you’ll have a feast reading Hazel Edwards’ memoir on ‘Being An Author.’  From country girl who read before she went to school courtesy of her very Baptist grandma who also terrified young Hazel with bloodthirsty missionary serials to fifty-five year old Hazel the Antarctic explorer stranded in ice on the supply ship ‘Polar Bird’, this Memoir is strangely addictive.

Hazel Edwards was born a story teller. An only child, she grew up in rural Victoria where her parents ran the seven-day-a-week general store. Life became difficult when her father fell ill and they had to keep moving, finding themselves in new general stores and towns. Hazel went to four secondary high schools alone and when her parents could not afford for her to continue at school, she started work at the State Bank. Hazel opposed the bank policy which only sponsored the study fees of male employees because ‘Females will just get married.’ She left the State Bank to study primary school teaching.  

However, Hazel knew she was a writer and refused to follow the conventions for girls and ‘marry the farmer … and (do) teaching or nursing.’ She did eventually marry and have two wonderful children who became part of her writing life as she juggled family with her profession. She was a primary school teacher for a while. Her love of teaching found a permanent place in her career through  teaching writing students, mentoring her women writers (the Hazelnuts) and acting as a mentor to many authors.

For this inveterate explorer, endlessly inquisitive, deeply interested in people, life was not just a piece of cake. ‘Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.’ It is also the willingness to go into brave new areas. Who could imagine that the endearing imaginative picture book There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake conceived in 1978 inspired by her children, would become an international best seller?

This memoir reveals Hazel to be a trail-blazer going into areas ‘where angels fear to tread’. Her F2M young adult novel with Ryan Kennedy who underwent gender change from female to male is a leading book in this new wave of young adult literature. Her adult books include Difficult Personalities in collaboration with psychologist Helen McGrath that gives insights into psychopathic behaviours; Non-Boring Family History which continues to be a staple guide in writing family histories; Cycling Solo; Ireland to Istanbul in collaboration with Hazel’s son Trevelyan who actually rode from Ireland to Istanbul.  

Hazel’s current project, an illustrated children’s book Hijabi Girl written in collaboration with librarian Ozge, gives Islamic children a place to be acknowledged.

This memoir is also an author's life on the road. She’s ‘been everywhere, man (or more appropriately woman)’ from a Nepali Montessori School in Kathmandu reading hippo; Nanjing School for the Blind; the mining settlement of Mt Newman in the heart of the East Pilbara. There have been times of exhaustion and exhilaration adventuring on the road as an author speaking at schools, literary festivals, libraries and community events for all ages.  Everything that can goes wrong did go wrong from Hippo the huge stuffed hippopotamus splitting at the seams; to losing her voice; to a helicopter crash in the Antarctic. But then everything that can go right did go right from a standing ovation at St Kilda Film Festival premiere of the Pocket Bonfire film version of Hazel’s Hippo eating that cake; being in Paris and seeing Hippo displayed in the Australian Bookshop; to Alice the Country Women’s Association ‘best cook’ making Hazel 24 profiteroles in Condobolin in exchange for writing ideas.

It is heart-warming to read the fan mail Hazel receives from children and adults. Writing is more than a book. It is a full life that includes working with Auslan, Australian Sign Language and Braille, being a National Reading Ambassador and supporting literacy in a myriad of ways.

Hazel also translates her experiences into practical writing advice. How to embellish and retell stories, maintaining integrity in what you write, writer’s block, developing characters, getting ideas, how to develop them and a host of invaluable insights into the writing process.

Not just a piece of cake: Being An Author is a delightful insight into the life of a much-loved author. It inspires those who wish to begin the author’s journey and those on the journey. It’s also a book with a special quirkiness that once you have finished reading it, you want to drop in again and again. Highly recommended.

Susanne Gervay is a reviewer and children’s author www.sgervay.com

Being Jack

Being Jack written by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Cathy Wilcox (Harper Collins)

PBK RRP $14.99
ISBN 9780732296148
Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

We first met Jack five years ago in I Am Jack, when, as an eight year old, Jack experienced bullying. In the years (and books) that have followed, Jack has endured his father leaving, dealt with the bullying at school, acquired a stepfather when his mum remarries and works out a relationship with stepbrother Leo.

Now in Year 6, family and school life appears to have settled, with Jack enjoying his photography and sharing a love of surfing with Rob his stepfather. The bullying issue however, again raises its ugly head, this time directed at Jack’s friend Christopher and Jack is forced to relive his experience and find a solution to help his friend.

When Jack and Christopher witness dirty play in a football scrum at school, they know that something must be done about the bullies once and for all. Bullying and unfair play are not Jack’s only concern though, as he is soon to turn thirteen and questions about why his father left and his lack of contact begin to niggle. How will he find a father who may not wish to be found? If he finds him, what effect will this have on his mum?

Susanne Gervay again has written a story that is heartfelt and honest. We feel Jack’s fear, his doubt and worries. The perfect ending to the series, we are left confident that Jack is resilient and confident to take on the challenges of adolescence. Suitable for children aged 9+ years.

Elephants Have Wings

Elephants Have Wings by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Ford Street Publishing)

HB RRP $26.95

HB ISBN 978-1925000399

PB RRP $16.95

PB ISBN 978-1925000405

Reviewed by Francine Sculli

When writer Susanne Gervay and illustrator Anna Pignataro teamed up a couple of years ago to deliver the impeccable book Ships in the Field it was evident that their union was destined to bring deep thought on important topics to the picture book world. Their latest offering, Elephants Have Wing, cements them as a powerhouse duo, bringing something different to the page.

Elephants Have Wings, is a beautiful tale rich with the tapestries of ancient storytelling, spirituality and mythology. Placed in the Asian-Indian region, the book starts with two children asking their father to tell them the story – their grandfather’s story. The father commences, telling the wide-eyed children how their grandfather sent him and the other children out one night to look for “the secret”. All of the children saw different things and argued about who is right and who is wrong, until the grandfather came out and circled his light through the night, revealing a majestic elephant and showing that all the children were right but wrong at the same time.

The two children ask their father to tell them what their grandfather’s secret was, but he tells them that they must discover it themselves. The children spur each other on, willing on the vision of the elephant, who takes them on a journey through the air, over the wilderness, red desserts and snowy peaks, and through the sparkling stars to another place, high and faster and farther away. Bringing them home, only when the children have learnt their grandfather’s secret: “Everyone is different, but we’re the same, too. The elephant is in all of us.”

In many ways, this is a complicated picture book that explores rather esoteric themes, often difficult to articulate. What Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro do so well together, is bring these themes to life in a magical way that taps into children’s natural ability and openness to journey through the terrain of social inclusion, spirituality, unity, empathy and understanding. With roots in the ancient story of the blind men and the elephant, Elephants Have Wings is a wildly imaginative tale that is multifaceted. While younger children can lose themselves in the imaginative and magic journey of the children riding on the back of the elephant, older children can lose themselves in the mythology and modern importance of this tale.

And like Ships in the Field, Susanne has penned effortlessly poetic words that take us right through the sparkly stars with the children and Anne’s illustrations perfectly compliment this poeticism with pages of expressionistic watercolours and collages, whimsical in tone, that capture the peace, serenity and ethereal nature of this book.

A must read for those with a thirst for something different, unique and beautiful.

Gracie and Josh

Gracie and Josh by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Serena Geddes (Ford StreetPublishing)

HB RRP $26.95; PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1921665851

Reviewed by Francine Sculli

I remember exactly how and why I fell in love with the last book I read of Susanne Gervay, Ships in the Field. It was poignant, simple (but by no means simplified), effortlessly poetic and deep. So when Gracie and Josh, the latest released from this award-winning author, arrived in my mailbox I had high expectations of the story it would tell.

I was not disappointed. Not one single bit.

Gracie and Josh, is the touching tale of sister Gracie and brother Josh. They are just like any other brother and sister. They share tales, make each other laugh, poke fun at one another and spur each other on with Gracie, a budding actress, dressing up as a sausage legged spider for Josh’s film. Except for one difference – Josh is terminally ill and Gracie sits by her brother’s side hoping each day that it will be one of Josh’s good days, not a bad one. We experience the pain of the situation, but also the undivided love, comfort and support of this family as Gracie and her mother accompany Josh to the hospital, the subtleness in the anger Gracie feels when the doctors ask Josh to remove his favourite green striped beanie and in the hardness of their mother’s hand squeeze. It is subtleness that Gervay has absolutely mastered and her ability to write a story so painful and heartbreaking with such hope and love is truly incredible, making it an accessible read for primary school-aged children.

Gervay’s perfectly carved words are matched with the beautiful watercolour illustrations from Serena Geddes. The illustrations are full of character and truly capture the strength of the relationship between Gracie and Josh and her skill in harnessing the character’s facial expressions and emotions is striking and powerful. One of the most noteworthy illustrations sees Gracie by Josh’s bedside. Gracie’s mouth is agape, her face slightly panicked as she tries to show a ghostly looking Josh all the spiders she has found for him in books. The words are so sharp they cut through your heart: ‘Look Josh, the spider fell down sick times. But the spider didn’t give up. You have to try, try and try again.’ It is heart wrenching.

Gracie and Josh is a book about sticking together – through good and bad. It is about unconditional love and support, about resilience and about never giving up. It is a book that will make you turn to your family members and hug them. It is a book that you won’t easily forget.

Alien Shores

Children’s authors Sophie Masson and Susanne Gervay are part of ALIEN SHORES, an anthology that reaches into the journey of refugees. ‘Alien Shores’ is cross over young adult – adult literature.

Alien Shores: Tales of Refugees and Asylum Seekers from Australia and the Indian Subcontinent will be launched by Deborah O’Neill, Federal member for Robertson, on Friday 18th May 2012, 6pm to 8pm at Erina Library. 


Light refreshments provided.

RSVP 17th May 2012 to (02) 4304 7500 or book online at http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/library/whatson

There will also be a launch of Alien Shores at The Hughenden Hotel, Woollahra. Bookings essential and must be received by 10^th May:-

Date: Sunday 20^th May

Time: 2-4 p.m.

Place: The Hughenden Hotel, 14 Queen St Woollahra

Parking: Plenty of parking at Centennial Parkland across the road

Booking: reservations@thehughenden.com.au

Head booking with: Launch 20^th May 

Ships in the Field

Ships in the Field by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Anna Pignataro

(Ford Street Publishing)

HB RRP $26.95

ISBN 978-1921665233

Reviewed by Francine Sculli

Joining the mastery of award-winning author, Susanne Gervay and award-winning illustrator, Anna Pignataro – Ships in the Field is a picture book filled with significance, beauty and rich subtext.

Narrated through the simple, but intuitive eyes of a little girl, this picture book tells the story of life for a refugee family who have fled from their war torn country and started a new life in a foreign land. The little girl shares heart warming family moments with the reader. Images of her father splashing her with water from the laundry tub, making hats for the whole family from paper napkins, promising her a puppy that she so longs for, or sitting on top of trees that give a view of the whole world; all of these provide a safe and comfortable foundation for her to share other images of her family’s life that are far deeper and more complex. We see her mother crying in the hallway as she sleeps, we hear of how the night scares her, we hear of the loss of their previous life, and the complexity of mistaking ‘ship’ for ‘sheep’. These images are delicately interwoven in a way that brings hope and understanding.

The intricate images from Anna Pignataro are wonderfully complimentary and equally telling. She captures the warmth, solidary and strength of the family through her soft, watercolour images; however, the double page image spreads also provide the subtext for what is left partially unsaid in the narrative – the gloom, loss, fear and devastation of war. Colour is a significant part of the illustrations and the sense of hope overcoming loss and devastation is depicted through the changing colours, as the darker and more neutral tones are slowly replaced with brighter and more vibrant colours towards the books close.

Through its imagery, clever word play and warmth, Ships in the Field has created a thoughtful and touching insight into the world of a child whose life has been shredded by war. While it is a great insight, it is not overly confronting and easily accessible for younger readers. It is a significant picture book that will assist children (aged 7+) to develop empathy and understanding.