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| Sarah Stewart, ill. David Small |
| Frances Lincoln |
| 1845074947 |
| May 2006 |
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From it’s bookshelf inspired end-papers to it’s card-catalogue dedication, every aspect of this picture book has been tailored to appeal to bibliophiles. With the high profile Love Libraries campaign now well under way the publication of ‘The Library’ is very timely.
The book is a biographical account of book lover and philanthropist, Mary Elizabeth Brown (1920-1991) documenting the life long affinity she felt for books and for reading. Whether depicting the means through which books allow our imaginations to soar, manifested here by pigeons in flight, or the shelter and shade the interior world of books are able to provide, David Small’s illustrations brilliantly capture the highly personal dynamic opportunities for thought and reflection that books provide without diminishing its meaning. Framed pictures and the rapid encroachment of books outside the parameters of each frame emphasise the extent of Elizabeth’s collection enabling an understanding of how sizeable an endowment this was eventually to be for the town. Reading is a gift and libraries, offering access points to almost every book ever published, are in a unique position to keep on giving endlessly A powerful reminder as to the remarkable community and cultural resources libraries are.
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Picture Books: September 2006 Archives
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| Jane Kemp, ill. Jonathan Langley |
| Frances Lincoln |
| 184507260X |
| Jul 2006 |
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The prospect of big brother Ben going away on school camp for a week is one that brings a smile to Ben’s face as Sam remembers the means Ben employs to tease and taunt, boss and belittle him as only a big brother knows best! Sam looks forward to the respite that time spent on his own will provide.
The reality of Ben’s absence, however, makes Sam appreciate the fun and the frolics, the games and the guffaws the pair have shared together. To alleviate Sam’s pinings, his mother suggests he writes a postcard articulating his feelings to his brother. Sam eagerly anticipates the return of his brother and on his homecoming, Ben whispers to him how he missed him too. Contrary to the misguided notion that boys are all rough and rigour, with two brothers at its heart, this book legitimises male emotion and indeed the importance of communicating these.
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| Peter Dixon, ill. Natalie Chivers |
| Red Fox |
| 0099472929 |
| Aug 2006 |
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The wonderfully exuberant story and illustrations that together form the make-up of this picture-book will echo the experiences of all who have longed for a pet. Dad does not like pets, minor or more major quibbles disillusion his opinions on all animals – cats miaow too much and dogs eat too much...
When Frank the goldfish dies, dad shows an almost sardonic lack of restraint in his response; “Never mind, son”. Mum is more considerate towards the loss suggesting a special cheer-up treat thereby setting in motion a trip to the zoo – a trip that is accompanied by a tirade on camels, elephants, giraffes, seals, penguins and rhinos by dad! The visit to the zoo, however, is forestalled as two African elephants have pushed down the walls meaning all the animals have escaped. Concerned for the welfare of his home, dad drives the family home to find a delivery of domed dung deposited upon the doorstep. Whilst our hero takes a bath, a tremendous paw crashes through the bathroom ceiling. Dad rises to the occasion, tapping it with the toilet brush. Endeavouring to remove the bear from the roof, the gutter, the bear, the ladder and dad all tumble. Fortunately nothing makes for a softer landing than the arms of the bear. Dad’s opinion of animals is altered slightly as he comes to appreciate the bear but readers are left to anticipate what happens next as they lift the flap to gain access to just what is concealed within the family refrigerator! The divide between childlike rapture with animals as shared inhabitants of the world and adult disillusionment and focus on responsibility creates the tension that drives this story and which is depicted here by Natalie Chivers' engaging collaged illustrations which perfectly compliment to the text.
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