Waiting for
Later by Tina Matthews (Walker
Books)
PB RRP $15.95
ISBN 9781922077035
Reviewed by Anastasia
Gonis
The super-talented Tina
Matthews has created a story that immediately brings readers into its theme.
How many times as adults, have we said the word ‘later’ to our children or
others when they’ve asked for something, but we were busy doing something else?
This poignant story is
about Nancy wanting attention, and asking each member of the family for some of
their time. But every one of them is occupied with their own activity or work.
When? She asks. Later, they all answer.
Later seems far away to
Nancy. She climbs the tree outside, and from high up has a bird’s eye view of everyone
going about their tasks. She imagines the tree and branches talking to her. She
rocks and swings, wriggles and giggles until the moon comes out.
Later arrives. But where
is Nancy?
Matthews’ creative and
highly imaginative translation of her story is depicted in wood cuts and
stencil illustrations. A medium she excels at. The silhouettes of the child on
the opposite page to the coloured illustration reflect her isolation from all
the people and activity that’s going on within the house. This speaks volumes
about the child’s feelings and deepens the sense of meaning about the effect of
the word ‘later’. But there is a happy ending.
