Together Always

Together Always written by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781742979632

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Best friends Pig and Goat are always together, no matter what happens to hang from the trees in their orchard. They constantly reassure each other, and promise to always stick together. Their different personality traits create a harmonious balance – Goat cheers Pig up with stories, while Pig sings Goat to sleep. Their pact to remain together, always, seems to be working out, until one night Goat is inspired to venture beyond their home.

Pig would rather not leave home, but sticks to their agreement and reluctantly follows. It is clear Pig and Goat now want different things, and they sadly part ways. In their attempt to live apart, each is reminded of the other through memories sparked in nature, depicted beautifully in Masciullo’s gentle pencil and watercolour art.

This is an endearing book about friendship, change and compromise, and about allowing those we love to follow their dreams. The story also demonstrates that when you’re unable to physically be with your loved ones, they can still be in your heart.

Wyatt uses repetition and rhythm to great effect in this heartwarming tale. Together Always would make a wonderful read for someone about to enter a period of change

Together Always

Together Always by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo (Little Hare Books)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781742979632

Reviewed by J Wishart

This gentle picture book written by Edwina Wyatt, and illustrated by Lucia Masciullo, tells the story of Pig and Goat who live together in an orchard. The two animals enjoy long, lazy days in each other’s company. They provide each other with support, and vow that they’ll stay together always. The day eventually comes, however, when Goat feels the need to leave and the two animals have to face the prospect of living apart.

Using simple but lively illustrations with soothing, muted colours, Masciullo evokes a stylised natural world, moving the reader from day to night and through fields and woodlands with the characters. Pig and Goat are shown happily together, then in their respective environments. It is there that they learn to cope on their own – tapping into skills each taught the other, as well as their fond memories for comfort.

The hardcover book is attractively designed with a mix of double-spread and vignette images, and colour-washed endpapers. With its simple language and a reassuring repetition throughout, Together Always would make a pleasant bedtime story for younger children. Although it touches on more challenging ideas of individuality and diversity in needs and interests, it is thoroughly infused with the comforting notion that wherever they are, good friends can always be together in each other’s thoughts.