Bamboozled

Bamboozled written and illustrated by David Legge (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $15.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-021-2

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A young girl goes to spend the day with her grandfather. But there is something niggling her. She knows something is not quite right but she cannot work out what it is. It is not until she is leaving at the end of the day that she works it out. Then, she and her grandfather have a good laugh.

This is a very clever book where the words and illustrations are in delightful contrast to each other. The text of the story is a simple one describing a very ordinary day. The pictures, however, are a riot of puns and silliness.

We worked in the garden and I planted bulbs in the flower bed. I pushed the wheelbarrow while Grandad pruned the roses. And still, something seemed strange. It niggled and niggled at the back of my mind.

In the picture, a little girl is planting light bulbs into a brass bed. Grandfather is in the wheelbarrow pruning the roses and everything else in the garden is madness. There is a duck in the pond in a floating ring. One of the fountains is a statue with water coming out of her ear, while the other is a topiary teapot pouring water into an overflowing teacup. A tortoise is wearing a cap over his shell and the sun umbrella is a toadstool with matching spotty chairs.

Each picture is amazing. With so much craziness to spot, the book could be read countless times and there would still be something new to find with every turn of the page.

Originally published in 1994, this is a 21^st anniversary special edition. In the back is a note from the author/illustrator and an interesting ‘process’ page which shows some of the ideas development.

This highly imaginative picture book will appeal to a range of ages. Try a page, you will be Bamboozled!

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’.