The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran and illustrated by Michelle Pereira received the CBCA Winner Award for New Illustrators in 2022 and is a 2022 CBCA Notable. This is an uplifting and beautiful story, told from the perspective of a young South East Asian boy and is about celebrating cultural heritage and individuality. This book is about not shrinking down in an attempt to fit in and appreciating the beauty in difference as well as the power of a person’s name which connects people not only to their identity, but family and cultural heritage.
The young boy in this story, Zimdalamashkermishkada, is on the precipice of change as he is about to start at a new school. This new beginning heightens his anxiousness about his extremely long name, that no one can seem to pronounce and which he is often asked to repeat. It draws unwanted attention and this causes all sorts of knots and twists to slither around and unravel in his tummy. He wishes he could shrink his name and try as he does, this quest to do so eludes him as his name “springs back to life like a scared pufferfish at sea”.
Zimdalamashkermishkada takes the reader on a journey of discovery, acceptance, self-love and belonging. Along the way there are feasts to be enjoyed, lessons to be learnt and epiphanous moments to be had. A detailed review for The Boy Who Tried To Shrink His Name can be found on the Reading Opens Doors blog here.
Egg by Clare Atkins, illustrated by Harrison Vial and published by University of Queensland Press (UQP) is a beautiful, thought provoking and highly engaging fable with a cast of eggs as characters; eggs with distinct personalities, thoughts about their island home and firm opinions about what happens when a newcomer washes up on their island. This beautiful picture book cleverly juxtaposes the past when the world was not impacted by climate change with present times where the island in the story has suffered environmental damage. The story explores how solutions to environmental problems are possible, it just takes one good egg to be brave and that could be the first step to making a difference, one that may benefit a whole community. It is in this idea that using eggs as characters is a genius masterstroke as eggs are symbolic of life and rejuvenation of the life cycle. The beauty of this deceptively simple picture book is that it can be read on so many levels and will serve as an excellent segue into rich discussions as a multitude of themes are explored, including belonging, refugees, xenophobia, discrimination, fear of the unknown, kindness, acceptance and climate change. A detailed review for Egg including a link to teachers’ notes can be found on the Reading Opens Doors blog here.
Finding François written and illustrated by Gus Gordon is a whimsical story that and a beautiful tale of friendship that begins with Alice (a piglet) who lives with her beloved grandmother (a pig). Together they enjoy each other’s company and much of what Paris has to offer. Despite Alice’s rewarding and full life she would like to befriend someone that is her own age.
An idea strikes her to send a message in a bottle. This leads to a pen pal in a bottle relationship with François (a dog) that resides with his Dad in a lighthouse.
Alice’s grandmother suddenly passes away (no words are written about this); a double page spread aptly and sensitively tells this part of the story.
Alice then lives with Miss Clement (an antelope). Alice experiences deep sadness and a profound sense of loss. Then (my favourite line in the book) “the dark clouds slowly packed up their things and shuffled into the distance, and the sun sprung forth”. Miss Clement brings a little sunshine into Alice’s life as she suggests that together, they meet François.
The mixed media illustrations are stunning (as they are in all of Gus Gordon’s books) and full of captivating details that make you want to revisit the book over and over. Gus has incorporated snippets from vintage notebooks and French catalogues in his illustrations. The astute reader will also observe some references to Australia in the illustrations. Each time a new detail is spotted it adds another layer to the story.
The Gift by Michael Speechley begins with a curious young girl, Rosie, intrigued by the home over the road which appears to be neglected and has fallen into disrepair. There is little evidence of who lives in this home, most people in the community believe the derelict home to be unoccupied, but Rosie is convinced an elderly woman lives there. Rosie wonders if they are lonely. This is a feeling Rosie can relate to and experiences since losing her Mum. She deeply misses her presence and the fun times they shared, Rosie especially misses growing plants with her Mum.
She contemplates giving the person in the dilapidated house a gift and considers all kinds of options, as well as possible reactions from the recipient. In a quiet moment, the words her Mum used to tell her inspire her. Her Mum used to say, “if you look long and hard enough, you’ll see the beauty in everything”. Rosie decides on a gift and leaves it for the resident of the home over the road. Later that night, Rosie wonders what the person living in the home may think of her gift.
Rosie becomes more intrigued as evidence of the person receiving the gift comes to light each morning, yet Rosie never ever sees the occupant of the home.
Twelve months pass and Rosie decides the time has come to visit the home that is very uninviting on the outside and bring one final gift. She finally meets the person living over the road and what ensues is most unexpected and a gift indeed! Rosie’s Mum is part of the gift that keeps on giving which tugs at the heartstrings.
This is a tender story about acts of kindness, loss, grieving, missing, friendships blossoming, connection and not judging by appearances. Just as in Michael Speechley’s first book, The All New Must Have Orange 430, the colour palette reflects Rosie’s emotions and contrasts the dark with the light. Opportunities to strengthen visual literacy skills abound with symbolism used throughout the story.
The Great Rabbit Chase by Freya Blackwood is an entertaining and beautiful story about Gumboots, a spritely rabbit and much loved pet, who escapes from his owners (a mother and daughter). The family flee the home in pursuit of Gumboots and along the way neighbours and members from the community join forces to help capture Gumboots.
Each of the colourful characters in pursuit of Gumboots are either busy, distracted, or seem burdened. Then, united in a cause, their attention turns to keeping their eye on Gumboots who is moving swiftly through the neighbourhood, wreaking havoc, until he vanishes.
Interestingly, an unexpected opportunity presents for each of the characters when Gumboots disappears and it is a touching twist that highlights the power of community.
The delightful, lively watercolour illustrations add more rich details and another layer to the story. They bring the cast of characters and story to life, all while celebrating the richness of community.
Hello Jimmy by Anna Walker is a tender story where the reader enters Jack and his Dad’s world, one that seems to be in a transitional state, strained and unfamiliar. It appears to be a time of confusion that they are sharing together, but seemingly without connection. The arrival of Jimmy, a confident, cheeky, bold squawky parrot changes the dynamics. Jack feels his father appreciates Jimmy’s presence more than his. When Jimmy escapes, Jack his determined to find Jimmy, however he discovers something more, a new beginning filled with unconditional love and connection. The mesmerising details in the delicate watercolour illustrations add another rich layer to the text and need to be savoured as so much of the story can be unpacked in these gorgeous illustrations.
Mama Ocean by Jane Jolly and Sally Heinrich is a cautionary tale about protecting the oceans. This picture book will transport the reader to the depths of the ocean as they follow the wise and majestic Mama Ocean, whose health reflects the quality of the marine environment.
In this story, the strong and commanding Mama Ocean becomes sad and her concerned children (the sea creatures, of which there are many represented in this stunning story) attempt to lift her spirits by presenting her with attractive ‘gifts’ that they source from the ocean. Unfortunately, their resourcefulness does not seem to help Mama Ocean. Mama Ocean becomes increasingly unwell as “she was becoming bleached and frail. Her eyes were dulling”. The sea creatures are not aware of the damaging effects of the ‘gifts’ they find bobbing around in their home and how they are responsible for making Mama Ocean sick. After deep reflection and a desire to help Mama Ocean, the sea creatures come to the realisation that the gifts are dangerous and harmful to the ocean. They declare, “this finery is fake” and work together to rid the ocean of this toxic pollution.
This picture book contains rich lyrical text that swirls through the pages and complements the enchanting illustrations. The richness and movement of the ocean is captured in the illustrations with the repeated use of swirls. The detail in the illustrations on each page beckons the reader to revisit them and appreciate the many details.
This story conveys a powerful environmental message about the ways in which pollution adversely affects the ocean. This story will no doubt be a call to action to inspire young readers to adopt sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
The Island by John Heffernan and Peter Sheehan is set on a beautiful island, surrounded by treasure and populated by a melancholy tribe who are too busy to appreciate all that the island has to offer. A small, blind urchin also calls this island home and unlike the tribe does experience all the glorious beauty and tranquillity the island has to offer. Each morning he is open to new possibilities and goodness that the island may have to offer – “swirling shells and time worn pebbles, crinkled sponges, sculptured coral and the twisted limbs of driftwood”. The sea urchin gathers his found treasure and attempts to share them with the tribe. Each time he receives the same apathetic response.
As the urchin is so connected to his surroundings, he notices subtle differences in his environment. One morning he hears an unfamiliar sound. The sound comes closer until a creature is at the waters edge. The boy, full of curiosity, reaches out and uses his sense of touch to further investigate the source of this noise he heard. He gently touches the creature and detects different textures, shapes and delights. He is happy and content. He is unable to see the magical colours, yet he gains so much from touching the creature. He trusts this creature enough to join it in the ocean and together they play and form a connection. They enjoy each other’s company.
The boy and the creature’s laughter attract the attention of the tribe who at first are wary of the creature and see it as dangerous. Soon the boy’s joy and connection with the creature entices the tribe into the water.
The creature makes the tribe feel a sense of happiness, something they did not know how to achieve. It becomes a daily ritual to join the creature in the ocean.
The tribe begin to ponder and question their newfound happiness which is dependent on the creature. They begin to fear losing it so hatch a plan to ensure they continue to have access to the creature for their happiness. Fixated on preserving their own happiness the tribe fail to see the effect this has on the creature, however, the urchin is the only one on the island that feels and comes to learn that the creature is sick. At what cost does their self-serving plan ensure their happiness? In what ways does the little boy change the way people live and approach life? This is a memorable story about being present, connecting with the environment and the power of noticing the treasures that surround us and contribute to moments of happiness. This tale also highlights that happiness can be found in the most unlikely places. The boy deftly illustrates that beauty can be experienced in different ways and through our senses.
My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald and illustrated by Freya Blackwood shines a spotlight on the foreign feeling and strangeness of being in a new place. This story is told from the perspective of a young girl, Cartwheel, who has recently arrived in a new land with her Aunty and is struggling to adjust to her new world, with new people, a new language, foods, animals and plants, even the wind feels strange. She sees and feels more difference than sameness, resulting in her feeling isolated and alone. She finds comfort in wrapping herself in a metaphorical blanket of her own words, memories and sounds, a blanket that is illustrated using earth tone colours as well as symbols and pictures that remind her of home. This blanket is a metaphor for her home and culture that is familiar and safe to her. While exploring her new home with her Aunty, Cartwheel visits a park. A friendly girl smiles and waves at Cartwheel. While these welcoming gestures are appreciated by Cartwheel and make her feel happy she is unable to interact with the girl because of the language barrier which is also deftly conveyed in the illustrations. When the girls next meet in the park the friendly girl starts teaching Cartwheel new words and continues to do so over several park plays. Cartwheel’s new and expanding vocabulary becomes the beginning threads of a new metaphorical blanket, in predominantly blues and greens and containing pictures of foods, animals, objects and nature from her new home. Cartwheel learns that both blankets are a source of comfort and she now has two stories from two places which are part of her. Be sure to take special note of the final joyful illustration!
I wrote about this book in a Reading Opens Doors blog post. It is part of a collection of books I reviewed about refugees and the post can be found here (please scroll down to the tenth book).
Last Tree in the City by Peter Carnavas tells the story of a young boy, Edward, who lives in a monochromatic city, devoid of colour, greenspace and any sense of vibrancy. However, there was a single space that Edward knew about that was unlike the rest of the city, as this place was home to the last tree, a thriving, strong, lush tree with inviting branches reaching out to be climbed.
It was high up in the tree that Edward was transported far away from the dull city, he could escape and feel free. This tree was a comforting place for Edward, until it no longer could be. In the spot where the tree once stood now was a tree stump. Edward feels such a sense of loss and despair. It is through nature again where Edward finds hope which sparks an idea that has a ripple effect for his city.
The colours used for the watercolour illustrations contrasts the city in sepia tones to the vibrancy and life given by the last tree and Edward who is depicted in bright and bold colours. This colour palette relates to the themes about the power of nature and how it enriches lives. As Edward is filled with more hope the colours in the illustrations become greater, more vibrant and transform the city. This is a story has an environmental message and is about the power of one person’s transformative idea making a difference.
Monster Chef by Nick Bland is a rollicking story told in rhyming text about Marcel, a monster with the unusual and disheartening skill (for a monster) of not being able to scare children. Each night, Marcel joins monsters in their core business of trying to scare children. However, Marcel never gets the reaction he is hoping for, he frightens no one.
In a bid to cheer himself up he finds comfort in cooking and his horrendous and vile dishes which serve as a perfect distraction to help him forget about his disastrous night. These gruesome dishes also serve another purpose, one Marcel could never have imagined.
This humourous and highly engaging story is wonderful to read aloud and pore over the lively illustrations packed with emotion. Themes relating to resilience, creativity and the benefits of pursuing what you enjoy are explored.
Desert Jungle by Jeannie Baker is a stunning celebration of a misunderstood desert landscape, rich in diversity as well as a powerful call to action to connect with and protect desert habitats.
This story follows the transformative journey of a young boy who resides in a desert valley. He spends his days connected to his tablet, oblivious to his natural surroundings. He justifies his unwillingness to explore his environment as he believes there are dangers lurking and these could harm him. This conclusion is drawn from his fears based on what he hears at night.
He visits his Grandpa who is keen to show him the place he grew up, an inviting landscape brimming with cacti, shrubs and mountains, one that would inspire a sense of awe and wonder, pique curiosity if it was observed and appreciated. Instead, the boy opts to engage with his tablet.
The boy wakes to find his bag is missing and because it contains his tablet he is driven to embark on a mission to search for it. He finds himself lost in unfamiliar territory. Inexperienced with the environment, the boy is defensive, he is armed with a stick that he holds in front of him above his head, he is ready to attack and is guarding himself against what he believes to be looming threats.
Minus his tablet, he takes his Grandpa up on his offer to go exploring. He is introduced to amazing plants, each so distinctive including the ocotillo, a shrub with stick like stems and red tubular flowers sprouting from their tips, the fishook cactus that has a thorny top which resembles fishhooks. While exploring, a snake slithers in their vicinity. A threat such as this is not feared by the Grandpa, instead he respectfully does not encroach in the snakes space and quietly comments to his grandson about its beauty. The unprovoked snake causes no harm.
The boy receives many valuable lessons while exploring with his grandpa. Together they observe the plants and animals. With time the boy’s body language is visibly different. Some final parting words from the Grandpa are: “this valley is full of secrets, chico. Opens your heart, listen, and see what wonders show themselves”. These words have a profound influence on the boy and become the impetus for him to take the initiative and further explore. His Grandpa’s words ring true as treasures are indeed discovered.
It’s not all carefree exploring though as the weather abruptly changes and the boy seeks safety in a cave. Here, he alone confronts one of his greatest fears. His Grandpa’s lessons are still fresh in his mind. He needs to apply what he has learnt. A detailed review for Desert Jungle can be found on the Reading Opens Doors blog here.