Now you See Me, Now You Don’t

Now you See Me, Now You Don’t by Silvia Borando (Walker Books)

HC RRP $17.99

ISBN 9781406364217

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This superb wordless picture book for age 2+ is a seek-and-find book that will absorb and entertain beginners. Its eye-catching cover in teal is followed by vibrant full- colour pages. There are animals on every page but with each turn of the page, one or more are missing. The reader embarks on an adventure to discover which are missing from the page they are viewing. The only clue is a pair of eyes. The game is to whom do they belong?

There is a choice of elephant, crocodile, mouse, chicks and a mother hen, rhino, trees, a rabbit, a bird and a cat.

Counting can be encouraged in this educational journey through the animal parade. I can see very young children carrying this attractive book under their arm to bed for story time.

Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas

Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-578-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Brian is an unusual piranha. He enjoys eating fruit and vegetables. And even though the rest of the piranhas think he’s crazy, Brian is determined to get his friends to try them.

I love everything this author produces and this light-hearted picture book is no exception. Here, Blabey’s sense of humour is perfectly pitched to grab the attention of all, from toddlers through to early primary aged children.

‘Or would you rather a bowl of peas?’

‘Stop it Brian. We eat knees.’

The muddy green piranhas are wonderfully drawn, with expressive eyes and mouth. The brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contrast with skin toned feet, knees and other body parts of unwary swimmers as Brian tries to tempt the other piranhas with his fruit platter.

The simplicity of the story-line and text reads well with a catchy rhythm and great rhyme, perfect for reading aloud. The repetitive element which runs through the story will appeal to young children, while older readers will be happy to read this book as many times as they are asked. The ending will have all readers, young and old, giggling each time.

Please don’t overlook the end-papers which give definitions - Blabley’s anyway- of both piranhas and bananas.

I’m sure every preschooler will be able to guess which body part Brian’s friends all like best!

Hop up! Wriggle Over!

Hop up! Wriggle Over! by Elizabeth Honey (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781743319987

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

From the lovely end papers to the bouncy text, you feel with how much care this book has been created.

A cast of Australian animals creates a vibrant family. Mummy Koala and Daddy Big Red Kangaroo have a big family of little bush children ranging from antechinus to quoll, and they show just how warm and loving a diverse family can be. As in many large families there is always something happening and someone wriggling, hopping, or zooming around. This bunch of lively animals seems to enjoy every part of the day from top to tail.

The story pictures a day in the life of what could be a human toddler, from waking up, breakfast to bath time and bedtime stories. The simple watercolour and pencil illustrations give plenty of room to breathe between large patches of well balanced white space. The illustrations exude the movement, fun and cosy chaos of large family domesticity and are utterly adorable.

The spare text which perfectly compliments the gorgeous illustrations consists mainly of onomatopoeia.

Yvonne Mes is a children's author. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com