Hop Up! Wriggle Over!
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 August 4, 2015
Author Elizabeth Honey
Distributor:
ISBN: 9781743319987
Publisher: A & U Children
Release Date:
Website: http://www.allenandunwin.com
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It is no surprise that the author’s most favourite themes are those about the environment, and kids who just enjoy themselves. Elizabeth grew up on a farm and had a happy childhood. She and her siblings played and observed the Australian wildlife that surrounded them and would have seen every one of the nine baby animals she writes about in this picture book. She would have observed each one pursuing its own needs.
The end pages in the book show six large animal tails with a small bandicoot peering over one. This sets the tone of the book which is sheer fun. The author’s illustrations show her nine Australian animals playing with balls. There is a great sense of movement and bounce in these pictures which lead to more action. Each illustration deserves close scrutiny. In the beginning eight of the animals are trying to wake Koala up and push him out of bed, quite a struggle for some.
Each double page spread has self-explanatory pictures with minimal word usage. Breakfast at the table for all the animals is completed with the words “Crunch, Crunch, Gobble, Gobble, Lick, Lick, MORE.” Each of the animals is feeding in their own way and some are helping the smaller ones to manage their food. After breakfast it is off to the playground, again, each animal is involved in an action, with a minimum of words used. Colours used for the animals and most surroundings are quite accurate.
This book with the action packed illustrations and minimal word usage will have a great appeal for young readers. Older readers who can pronounce the words and have fun with them will also be captivated by the art work and humour in the illustrations.
Identifying all the animals will be an exercise of fun.
It is wonderful to see an Australian story, so well written and so visually satisfying for younger readers. The feeling of friendship and cooperation between animals is delightful, and if you are not sure if a wombat can smile, check this book out.