It Fell from The Sky

It Fell from The Sky by the Fan Brothers (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780711270657

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When something drops into the garden, the insects agree that it is ‘the most amazing thing they had ever seen’. The next morning, Spider convinces the other garden inhabitants that the ‘Wonder from the Sky’ had fallen into his web, so it rightfully belongs to him. He begins to charge more and more for a glimpse of the wondrous object. Soon he is ‘wealthy beyond imagination’ but very lonely as insects no longer visit him. Then there is an ‘Unexpected Disaster’ – a giant creature steals the Wonder. Spider comes up with a plan to catch more Wonders as they fall from the sky, but this time he allows his friends to enjoy the items for free.

A whimsical narrative that navigates the vast gap between greed and generosity, It Fell from The Sky will appeal to nature-lovers aged four to seven. Simple language celebrates curiosity and sharing, and gently censures selfishness. In the end, young readers are left in no doubt that the greatest wonder of all is benevolence.

Incredibly detailed illustrations draw kids deep into the world of the insects. Light and dark shades weave webs of texture across the grayscale spreads, while colour calls attention to the unearthly elements: the Wonders that plunge from the heavens, and the leaves that become currency in the Spider’s capitalist scheme. Only when Spider chooses community over consumerism do rich hues drench the entire scene.

Eye-catching and entrancing, It Fell from The Sky brings massive themes down to a mini level that is ideal for littlies. It is sure to be read with relish time and time again.

The Travel Bug

The Travel Bug by Benjamin Gilmour, illustrated by James Gulliver Hancock (Random House Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780143780137

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The protagonist of this story is a no-name ‘strange little bug’ which identifies other creatures in the landscape, such as earwigs, weevils, flies and fleas, but his own kind of species is a real mystery. With his blue suitcase packed, he buys a round-the-world ticket and gets on board the back of a cricket to search for an find his identity.

The reader can plot the bug’s journey on the map of the world found on the fly pages, starting in Japan and then heading to Afghanistan. As he travels, he meets other bugs such as scorpions in Kandahar which are feasting, musicians in Spain, and ‘a spider in tartan’ in Scotland. There are numerous other countries featured in this story told in rhyming verse which include jungles and cities. In New York the bug meets with a professor with is -- finally -- able to put a name to him.

The charming flat colour and black line illustrations that accompany the written text make use of patterns, many of them like those found in zentangles.

This is a simple story with a twist at the end which is sure to be enjoyed by small readers up to the age of 6 years.

My Family: Going Fishing

My Family: Going Fishing by Robyn Osborne, illustrated by Colin Stevens (Big Sky Publishing)

PB RRP $15.25

ISBN 9781922132567

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is the second picture book in the My Family series wherein a conventional family has a series of adventures. Last time it was camping, this time it is taking to sea in a boat for a fishing expedition. Dad is now the family motivator with four family members – Mum, Morgan, Condon and Nikky – reluctant to take up her latest idea of family ‘fun,’ all offering excuses. Twin brother Morgan seems to have the most valid excuse – seasickness. But Dad prevails and soon the family is trapped in a small red speedboat boat (all wearing life-vests) with things going overboard (like Morgan’s breakfast!) There’s even Nikky’s dog onboard – for a while.

As with the first book, most of the family members experience some kind of small disaster. Dad continues with his tally-ho attitude and soon things (not necessarily fish) are being caught.

The typeface of this paperback is large and easy to read but from time to time words are printed in bold. Not sure why as this doesn’t serve the book in any way. The illustrations are brightly coloured and there’s a nice sense of movement in a double-paged spread of the boat at sea surrounded by seagulls. This book would be of most interest to a new reader.

My Family: Going Camping

My Family: Going Camping by Robyn Osborne, illustrated by Colin Stevens (Big Sky Publishing)

PB RRP $15.25

ISBN 9781922132550

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The back cover blurb of this picture book for children six to eight years describes a family’s adventures while camping as an ‘entertaining romp.’ However, for most of the large family there is no entertainment and certainly no romping. It’s Mum who is most enthusiastic as well as the book’s unnamed narrator. As with most families, there are compromises so with a bit of bribery, Mum manages to persuade Dad and her three other children to join in.

Disaster occurs when Dad and the kids forget their essentials. More disasters happen with camping equipment but Mum jollies everyone along. However, soon  insects cause problems so of course there aren’t many happy campers. As they are all packing up tents and airbeds, etc. something happens which makes the adventure all worthwhile.

This is a simple story with watercolour illustrations which will especially appeal to children whose families take camping holidays.