Charlie

Charlie by Ronojoy Ghosh (PenguinRandomHouse Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780143785026

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Charlie is a lion with acquired tastes – he loves art, fancy restaurants and beaches. Unfortunately, people he meets on outings are fearful of him. Problem easily solved – he adopts a disguise (a moustache)! The freedom his disguise gives him allows him to visit an art gallery, join an art class and visit places such as an aquarium and a fancy restaurant. It has been the best day of his life, and by the end of it (and the end of the book), he knows there are ‘plenty of adventures waiting for him tomorrow.’

This is a simple and simply told tale with strong, bright full-page illustrations during day-time and dramatic night-time scenes. Small children will enjoy looking for recurring creatures (such as a monkey and dog). There are some humorous touches, such as the lion catching public transport, taking a bath in a fountain with a lion statue, and dancing around lamp-posts. It would have most appeal to children aged 3 to 5 years.

Finn’s Feather

Finn’s Feather by Rachel Noble, illustrated by Zoey Abbott (Enchanted Lion Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9781592702749

Review by Wendy Haynes

This debut picture book was written from the heart by Noble after the death of her son Hamish, and in her search to find a way to help his brother cope with loss. It represents how quickly life can change and is a gift to other children dealing with grief.

It is warm-hearted story for three to five-year-olds about Finn and the feather he finds at his doorstep that he believes is from his brother Hamish. With feather in hand, and bubbling with excitement he explores the playgroup with his friend Lucas. This makes Finn happy that it’s like having fun with Hamish.

This story touches on a deep subject in a light way, and is a wonderful resource for parents, carers, and teachers. The theme of loss and acceptance is enhanced by illustrator Zoey Abbott bringing to the page mainly soft shades of yellow throughout the full-page sketches. Yellow is a wonderful choice as it brings on the feeling of happiness, with the picture showing activities, expression and moods of the characters within.

Whether dealing with grief or not, it is worth having on the shelf as a subject to explore with children.