Swings + Roundabouts Autumn 2021

COURAGEROUS LUCY By Paul Russell Illustrated by Cara King EK Books; RRP: $24.99 Hardback Courageous Lucy is about a young girl who worries about everything and worries a lot, but who learns that she can be courageous after all after being brave and asking her teacher for a part in the school musical. Lucy’s teacher gives her the role of being a tree and although it may not be everyone’s ideal role, Lucy takes on the role with aplomb, and along the way gaining the knowledge that although she may be feeling anxious she can still embrace new opportunities and challenges and be part of the fun and the enjoyment participation can bring. The book doesn’t totally change Lucy, but it shows her that stepping out of your comfort zone always takes courage, but once you do, wonderful things can happen, and that taking one tiny step and deciding that you want to do something is sometimes all it takes to be courageous, well the first step anyway! ‘Can you sing, Lucy?’ Mrs Hunt asked with a kind smile, but Lucy shook her head. 'Can you be courageous?’ Mrs Hunt said. Lucy thought for a moment and although she wasn’t sure she could, she thought she might, so she nodded and Mrs Hunt handed Lucy a script. This book is set in a school, and is possibly more suited to four-year-olds plus. The book is perfect for anxious children beginning school as well as offering children with anxiety a chance to see how small actions can help them through everyday worries. Plus the soft pallet watercolour illustrations describe the story and emotions Lucy is feeling with accuracy. TURNING CARTWHEELS By Amy Adeney Illustrated by Amy Calautti EK Books; RRP: $24.99 Hardback Turning Cartwheels tells the story of Emma’s desperation to join Carly’s Cartwheel Club. After weeks of try-outs Emma is finally accepted, but discovers that Carly’s rules are never-ending and eventually all joy is taken from cartwheeling with the realisation that being part of a club isn’t as awesome as she expected. A situation many of us would have experienced over our either short or longer lifetimes! Carly makes the rules. ‘New members are only allowed in on Mondays'. ’Each week, Emma lines up for a try-out. Fern stands in front of her, Bo stands behind. Carly watches carefully. ‘Well done Fern, you’re in the Club!’ ‘That’s not a cartwheel Emma, your legs weren’t straight!’ Carly declares. While the books deals with themes of determination, persistence and self- confidence, the main idea that it explores is bullying – in particular, a subtle, underhanded style of bullying. Turning Cartwheels introduces the idea that there are alternatives to being bullied, and that an individual has the power to create change by believing in themselves. Although the book is set in a school, the book could easily be enjoyed and understood by many children 3+ with its simple and explicit text and descriptive illustrations. March 2021 { 42 }