Coco and the Butterfly

Coco and the Butterfly by Laura Bunting, illustrated by Nicky Johnston (Omnibus Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781743834923

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Coco the cat cannot think of anything worse than moving to the country. Except, perhaps, the creepy-crawlies that seem to be everywhere, now that she’s been forced to leave her big city home. Everything is awful, Coco is miserable, and she just wants to escape - which she does, out into the garden. There, she meets a caterpillar who is struggling with its own change-related crisis, as it contemplates its upcoming transformation into a butterfly.

 In trying to support the caterpillar to face its fears of change head-on, Coco overcomes her own misgivings about her new country home. In the end, both the now-butterfly and Coco discover the joy they can find in their new situations. The theme of embracing change is clear but not didactic, and the charming characters draw readers into the delightful story.

This is a follow-up to Coco: Big City Kitty, and the series is a significant departure for Laura Bunting, so fans of her previous work in Koalas Eat Gum Leaves and Kookaburras Love to Laugh should be aware that this prose narrative is in a separate category. That said, Bunting appears entirely at home with this different style, supported by the gorgeous pastel-toned illustrations by Nicky Johnston. The two combines to create a story with a distinctly feminine feel but a universal message of openness and courage.

A must-have for lovers of Ruby Red Shoes, this story is gentle yet spirited, uplifting and full of heart. This book is perfect for children aged 4 and up who are struggling with change in their lives, or who simply love cats, butterflies and pretty things.

The Complete Adventures of Figaro and Rumba

The Complete Adventures of Figaro and Rumba written by Anna Fienberg and illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99   ISBN 9781760292997

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

The highly imaginative tales of Figaro and Rumba are written by Anna Fienberg, author of the Tashi books, and accompanied with full colour pictures by the talented Stephen Michael King. Both books in the series have been published together for the first time in a colourful, eye-catching paperback.

Figaro (an excitable, adventure-seeking dog) and Rumba (a sensible, musical cat) have been the best of friends since they met in Cuba. The first story, Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Café, is driven by the characters’ desire to get on ‘the Very Fast Train’. They seem destined to keep missing it though, with one zany adventure after another. The story is fast-paced, enticing readers to keep turning the pages to find out whether Figaro and Rumba ever do get on the train. Eventually, they meet a sly, Cuban crocodile who gains Rumba’s trust. It’s a good thing Figaro’s instincts are on high alert though, because something just doesn’t seem right.

The second story, Figaro and Rumba and the Cool Cats, is far more musical in nature. (You might find yourself tapping along to an imaginary Cuban beat!) Rumba seems quite at home singing with the Cool Cats, but Figaro is bored. The cats just want to sing all day and he can’t join in because their leader, Marta, does not like his singing. Plus, he’s feeling disturbed about that grey monster he keeps seeing. When he meets another like-minded adventurer, Dora, they sneakily take Marta’s car and go exploring. Their adventure doesn’t go smoothly though and, in trying to fix things, Figaro winds up meeting the ‘monster’, joining forces with Rumba again, and discovering a musical talent he never knew he had.

These entertaining stories about friendship are great for 5–8 year-olds. The chapters are short, with lots of dialogue. Much humour is provided in Figaro and Rumba’s banter, along with their dog and cat-like differences. King’s comical illustrations are naturally complementary, appearing on almost every single page. Fienberg’s writing is superb. The Cuban accents are perfectly portrayed, and there are some great alliterative lines like: ‘Isn’t he a rascal, a ruffian, a rogue and a reptile?’ The ending is terrific, both closing the stories and alluding to further adventures.

The Tales of Mrs Mancini

The Tales of Mrs Mancini by Natalie Jane Prior, and illustrated by Cheryl Orsini (ABC Books) HB RRP $19.99  ISBN 978-0-733335-65-5

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

The Tales of Mrs Mancini’s Cat tells the story of a cat which runs a gorgeous cake shop full of yummy treats, with her friend Filippina. Alongside her passion for creating cakes, Mrs Mancini loves her customers and knows them well.  She can sense when something is wrong and her watchful eyes don’t miss a thing.  With some tail magic Mrs Mancini helps her friends in some unexpected ways.

This little book is a collection of three fully illustrated short stories that intertwine through Mrs Mancini and the cake shop.   The stories would suit the ages 4+ years.  They are based around the themes of friendship and loneliness.  A younger child will enjoy being read the stories that have names that roll off the tongue, like Mrs Mancini, Filippina and Claudette. 

Mrs Mancini is a wise and clever cat that uses just a little magic to help solve friendship problems. You just feel like giving Mrs Mancini a big cuddle.

Older children will love the support of the illustrations and the fact that the tales are three stories in one book that connect. The illustrations are delightful, with soft colours that feel safe and friendly, and have an innocent appeal. The pictures support the text beautifully, just like best friends.  The pastel colours remind me of delicious cake treats and Europe.

Children need to know that their problems can be solved and that they are not alone.  This little book shows simple solutions to friendship problems, loneliness and bullying.  It is recommended for its educational value, too. 

Chook Doolan: the Newest Pet

Chook Doolan: the Newest Pet by James Roy, illustrated by Lucinda Gifford (Walker Books)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 9781922244949

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

A new illustrated chapter book series for the 5+ year age group introduces the lovable character, Simon ‘Chook’ Doolan. He has been named Chook, because he’s chicken (as in not very brave). Chook has two pets: Flexy-Lexi the cat, and Bruce a goldfish he inherited when his cousin moved overseas.

It’s ‘bring a pet to school’ day. Chook’s mate Joe doesn’t have a pet, so Chook tries to find him one for the day. This is a big step for the not very brave Chook, even if it isn’t successful.

When Chook takes Bruce to school with the idea of sharing him with Joe, to their delight, there is an amazing development.

This is the first of the series written by the award-winning James Roy. Talented illustrator Lucinda Gifford has created delightful and expressive characters in pencil, ink, crayon, marker and watercolour, to complement Roy’s text. The series is produced in bright, different coloured covers. The first two titles are available now with two more due in August.

Themes of confidence, being brave, family and community are blended together to create a lively story for early readers. 

Lara of Newtown

Lara of Newtown by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760112325

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Lara of Newtown is a strikingly quirky picture book about a cat trying to find a forever home. Not just any cat, but a beautifully unique, hand-drawn cat in a unique, hand-drawn town.

The first time I read this story I found it so sad, and it is in many ways. Upon a second and third read though, it struck me that this is a story of hope. McKimmie doesn’t pull any punches in conveying the cat’s abandonment. Her loneliness and desire to be loved is palpable. Things might not work out with Nana Banana or Noni Nice, but McKimmie’s endearing feline protagonist ultimately finds her happy place with the eccentric Kafoopses. She is happy as Larry, or Lara, as named by her forever family.

McKimmie tackles themes of identity, belonging and love in such a fresh and imaginative way. His bustling collages and array of erratic font choices can be overwhelming, but hidden elements of humour help to soften the harsh reality of Lara’s situation.

As this story has the potential to evoke many questions and feelings from younger children, and there are many references within the collages with adult appeal, it is a good one to read together. It will leave everyone feeling safe and warm like the lovely Lara, who thinks she is a ‘lucky boots’.

Blue Moon

Blue Moon by Tricia Oktober (Ford St)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781925000887

Reviewed by Emily Meldrum

For something to occur in a “blue” moon it is something very special indeed. For Cat, at the centre of this story, it is the time when her fellow felines come together to share a dream that lasts all night long. It is a magical and extravagant event that is able to be as wild or eccentric as her dreams permit. It is all about Cat’s favourite smells, the gardens and places she loves to visit, it is about the famous cats she wants to meet and the things she would do if her imaginings could come true.

As with all the best illustrations, Oktober has supported the story with a beautiful collection of artworks that complement the story but then add that extra level of storytelling all on their own. The reader follows Cat meet many of her idols including Cat in a Hat, Puss in Boots, Hey Diddle Diddle’s cat with a fiddle, the Cheshire Cat plus many more. 

The impossible becomes possible for Cat as she rides a sea horse and crowns herself queen. At each point in Cat’s journey, a meerkat is seen searching – is he lost or just trying to find his way? Perhaps he is Cat’s visual contrast, a serious soul who is not enjoying his journey merely worrying about where they are going to next.

Our dreams are powerful influences on our lives and inspire and rejuvenate us in daily living. If your night imaginations were able to define what you did each day what would it say about you? Oktober’s book Blue Moon was gentle and thought-provoking. It is recommended for school-aged readers and above.