How the Sun Got to Coco’s House

How the Sun Got to Coco’s House by Bob Graham Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9781406359008

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Soft understated watercolours with dark outlines create the visual scenes while the simple prose tells a story of nature and the Sun’s travels. It creeps up over snow-filled hills before it touches water and a fisherman’s hat which flies off with the wind.

The golden ball steams through the water over a whale, and sets off across bushland to cast shadows upon snow and footsteps. High in the sky it meets birds and a plane and shines through portholes. It crosses cities and waits outside windows to enter. It rises high over countrysides to awaken animals and birds, and catches travellers in their tracks, follows villagers, boats and eagles.

The Sun shines over high-rise buildings, meets the dark and makes it dawn, and then explodes into Coco’s window. It shares itself with Coco’s mum and dad still in bed, and accompanies them all to breakfast. 

When the Sun and the children have time on their hands, then, that is the best part of the day.

Always stunning and utterly thought-provoking, Bob Graham’s work is like the Sun on a cold day; welcome and refreshing, necessary and irreplaceable. Strong themes of freedom, the value of the Universe and its protection, are the motivators of this exceptional creation.

Amnesty International endorses Bob Graham’s book. ‘It reminds us that the world belongs to all of us and we have the right to enjoy life, freedom and safety.’

Annie and Simon: The Sneeze and Other Stories

Annie and Simon: The Sneeze and Other Stories Catherine O’Neill (Walker Books)

PB RRP S9.95

ISBN 9780763677886

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This is the second book from the SPARKS for new readers’ series I have read and I love them! The stories have only three characters, Simon, Annie (who appears to be around four or five years-old), and Hazel the dog. Simon is much older than Annie and although her brother, is like a father to her. There is never a mention of other family members and the stories revolve around the natural world, companionship, outdoor activities, learning, patience and love.

The loosely brushed watercolours add a poignant beauty to each page. There seems to be a strong fluid tie between the text and illustration making the two seem one thing.

Each book has four chapters and each one is a short story surrounding one specific idea which incorporates many issues.

In The Sneeze and Other Stories, Annie and Simon share a day sitting at the dock at Pickerel Lane where their home is, trying to find living things for Annie to draw with her crayons. She loves everything. A questioning and curious child, she is never still or quiet. Simon is always willing to accommodate her needs and patiently encourages her to express herself.

After looking at a book about a girl getting special attention when she’s sick, Simon sneezes and this awakes in Annie a need to look after him. The sofa becomes a bed, her special blanket a cover. Gummy bears, wet cloths, Hazel and Annie, join Simon on the sofa. There he reads her the story of the sick girl.

Annie loves their dog Hazel so much. But when Gray Cat comes purring along, Annie tries to teach Hazel to purr as well. It’s when Annie sees Gray Cat carrying a mouse in its mouth she decides that Hazel with her dog habits are the cutest thing.

The season is changing from summer to autumn. It is a joy for Annie because there are leaves on the ground. Horse chestnuts are falling from the trees and together Annie and Simon collect some in their wagon to take home. As Simon changes the string on his guitar, Annie watches a squirrel digging a hole and dropping in chestnuts. Simon explains that it is collecting food for the winter.

There is a strong element of nature and living things in the centre of every story. This series is ideal for the 5+ years’ age group or early readers. It’s a wonderful series to read or be read to.

Grandpa’s Guardian Angel

Grandpa’s Guardian Angel by Jutta Bauer (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781406306033

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

From the 2010 winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration comes a poignant story of the close relationship between a boy and his grandfather for the 7+ age group.

Grandfather tells the boy about his life. The stories he relates are ones of hardship, war and lack as a child. Exposed to many dangers, he always came out safe and well. As he grew older his life had always been a relatively happy one. Unbeknown to him, he had a guardian angel always watching over him.

Now, as the sun sets over his life the guardian angel moves from the old man to the boy as his protector.

The illustrations express what words have left unsaid. Jutta Bauer as author and illustrator has used a unique technique where the text and artwork adjust to each other by picking up where the other leaves off.

Soft watercolours with pen and ink on fine quality paper enhance the message of love and protection by the seen and unseen, the things we know about and those we don’t.