This is a Circle

This is a Circle by Chrissie Krebs (Random House)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9780857988058

Reviewed by Jaquelyn Muller

My love of rhyme is not a secret, but rhyme with bug-eyed goats in boats and pant wearing foxes on boxes gets me giggling every time.

I was immediately taken back to Fox in Socks when I first read This is a Circle by new author Chrissie Krebs. The nonsensical imagery and unexpected turns that I encountered when I first read one of my all-time favourite Dr Seuss stories came flooding back as I skipped through Krebs’ glorious pages. 

Krebs is both author and illustrator of this romp and although well suited to younger readers, my ten year old and I thought it was a hoot. But of course it is not just the bears, goats, cats and foxes dressed in primary colours that are eye catching, but the repetitive elements of the story that grow and interchange with each other to give context to shapes and surroundings.

The hardback with a peephole in the cover is always a drawcard for younger readers and the larger font for the frequently used words will aid slightly older children who are learning to read.

Cartooned themed illustrations together with rhyme give this a pacey feel that by my third read through, I was reading faster and faster to see how tongue tied I would get. 

This is the first book by Chrissie Krebs. Her second book, There’s Something Weird in Santa’s Beard, is currently under construction.

Stella’s Starliner

Stella’s Starliner by Rosemary Wells (Walker Books)
HC RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781406353532
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

By the side of the road stands the Starliner. It’s where Stella lives with her mum and dad. They love their beautiful and comfortable silver mobile home that shines. They enjoy the pleasure of a visit from Books on Wheels, lots of reading, good friends and baking. Stella is happy in her shiny home. At least she is until the group of weasels come by and start making fun of it.

What happens when your eyes see beauty and others make fun of what you see? Usually it makes you question if what you have is really worthwhile.

Stella learns that what she has is special. Her home looks out onto a forest. She can see the sky and stars, and hear the wind. In the Starliner they can travel, see so many places and things; meet new and different people.

The new children they meet at their next destination adore Stella’s home. They long to explore the ‘secret places’ hidden in the Starliner and try out all the comfortable furniture.

This story is a wonderful example of how envy can make people belittle others. Some see with the eyes and some with the heart. Perception is everything. It’s an interesting theme to a delightful story with foxes as the main characters. It can be useful in a two-sided discussion at home or in class, about the importance of not being influenced by other people’s negative opinions.