Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2020

TULIP AND DOUG By Emma Wood Illustrated by Carla Martell Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Hardback Tulip and Doug is an amusing story about a girl and her friendship with Doug, a potato! Yes, a potato, but like all great friendships, even imaginary friendships, this friendship between Tulip and Doug offers companionship, being yourself and not worrying what others think, as well as celebrating imagination and creativity and in some ways exploring impermanence. Something special about this book too is the relationship between Tulip and her father, who accepts her friendship with Doug (even naming him), and although he often mentions the compost, as Doug begins to soften and sprout, he is still there for Tulip, the day Doug becomes lost! Alongside this funny and quirky story about a quirky child are the descriptive, bright illustrations that complement the story perfectly and too offer ‘quirky’. This book will be enjoyed by young children from 2+. SHARING WITH WOLF By Melinda Szymanki Illustrated by Nikki Slade Robinson Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Hardback Sharing with Wolf is a story that you don’t often find among children’s book shelves, a story that is slightly dark and offers a perspective that is unexpected, particularly in picture books for young children! The books has fun offering the unexpected. This is noticeable right at the start, with the main character, a wolf, is a female, and the sheep a male and although the wolf is honest with the sheep in the end her natural instincts take precedence – not always seen in female roles either. The ending is left open-ended, but the illustrator has left clues in the final illustration, so although not explicit, quick-witted children will pick what happened to the sheep. The quirky illustrations offer insights and further clues throughout the book. And although the ending will be surprising for many children, many will be amused, and some may possibly feel for the sheep, so maybe not best for a sensitive child, or at least be prepared for lots of questions. This book offers a thinking child, something to ponder on! This book is best for children 4+ and especially those who have a quirky and humorous outlook! THE LONGDROP By Joan Joass Illustrated by Bob Darroch Oratia; RRP: $19.99 Paperback After setting up on some land with a caravan but no toilet, a family realise there was a slight problem: “A toilet block down by the beach took quite a bit of time to reach. The kids (and Mum) began to worry – what if you were in a hurry? But Dad, he was a handy-man – he didn’t need a googled plan… ‘Six-inch nails, four- by-two and corrugated –iron sheets will do!” But when the paper builds to capacity Dad thinks and thinks and solves his problem – with a match… The book is illustrated by well-know and popular Bob Darroch, who many will know through the Little Kiwi series, which he wrote and illustrated, who captures the spirit and hilarity of the story. This humourous story will be popular with those four-year-olds who find toilet talk hilarious. September 2020 { 39 }