The Map of Me by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda, Templar Books
When a young girl moves to a new country, her mum helps her draw a map to understand her unfamiliar surroundings. But some important things from the past are missing – Granny and Joe-Dog – so the girl makes the map bigger to include them. Soon everything seems to join up, and the distance between the girl’s old life and her new one shrinks. The map in this story continues to grow and it becomes a way of imagining every wonderful thing that is possible: a way of recording, but also a way of dreaming. This lovely story offers the gentle message that we can build a better future for ourselves and the world.
Wrapping Things by Linda Burgess, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper, Allen & Unwin
Rosie loves to wrap things. Her crayons, her teddies, her kitten. One day, when her parents leave her behind with Granny, Rosie is the one who needs wrapping to feel safe. We soon find out where her parents have gone, and Rosie is excited to meet her new sister, all wrapped up in a blanket of her own. I love the sense of safety and security in this book. Rosie’s wrapping game is a lovely illustration of the way children can be supported to process their experiences through play.
The Dreamies by Iona Campbell, Magic Cat Publishing
This is a magical story about the Dreamies, tiny playful creatures who live hidden in your home and come out at night to paint children’s dreams in dazzling colours, full of wonder and adventure. We all know dreams can become scary, especially for children, but nightmares are no match for the Dreamies, paintbrushes at the ready, who know just how to turn bad dreams back into happy ones. A gorgeous and comforting book to help children sleep soundly, with energetic and fantastical illustrations.
____
Reviews by Alice Ellerby
Published in issue 100. Accurate at the time this issue went to print.
