TWO NEW CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS FROM OUTSIDE THE SQUARETHE EMPTY CITY
David Megarrity & Jonathan Oxlade Lothian $33
and
THE BEDTIME TREASURY OF REAL FAIRY TALES
Jane & Graeme Smallfield Scholastic $25
THE EMPTY CITY
This is what it says about the authors which may help explain what makes this book somewhat unusual, surprising even:
David Megarrity loves writing plays, short films and music. He enjoys playing the ukulele. This is his first picture book.
Jonathan Oxlade is a theatre designer, illustrator and puppeteer. This is his first picture book.
So first time author/illustrators; it doesn’t say so but I suspect they may both be fathers of young children. Whether they are or not they have certainly produced something different, and special.
It is the story of a little boy who is “dragged through the busy city” by his Mum who will not let him visit his favourite shop, something that many young kids, and their Mums will definitely relate to It should engender much discussion during its reading but don’t worry it has a satisfying ending.
Remarkable illustrations too.
Do seek it out.
THE BEDTIME TREASURY OF REAL FAIRY TALES
The first unusual thing about this title is that it is written & illustrated by New Zealanders. Have a look at any selection of traditional fairy tales in a New Zealand bookshop or library and you’ll find they all come from the UK or USA.
Also uncommon is the fact that the book is illustrated with photographs rather than drawings.
We are given a clue to this with the copy that appears in the inside back cover:
Having spent over 20 years working his special brand of photographic/digital imaging magic for internationally acclaimed advertising campaigns and photographers such as Anne Geddes, Graeme Smallfield decided to work some magic of his own.
In collaboration with his wife Jane, a public relations consultant and writer, they created a new way to encourage children to use their imagination by illustrating well-loved fairy tales with ‘real-life’ images.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the books are very much a family affair with their three daughters becoming involved in assisting with the model making, prop selection and photographic shoots.
The result is a spectacular hardback book with full colour plates throughout and remarkably good value at $25.The four traditional tales, all top favourites are Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, Jack & the Beanstalk, and The Shoemaker & the Elves.
THE BEDTIME TREASURY OF REAL FAIRY TALES
Jane & Graeme Smallfield Scholastic $25
THE EMPTY CITY
This is what it says about the authors which may help explain what makes this book somewhat unusual, surprising even:
David Megarrity loves writing plays, short films and music. He enjoys playing the ukulele. This is his first picture book.
Jonathan Oxlade is a theatre designer, illustrator and puppeteer. This is his first picture book.
So first time author/illustrators; it doesn’t say so but I suspect they may both be fathers of young children. Whether they are or not they have certainly produced something different, and special.
It is the story of a little boy who is “dragged through the busy city” by his Mum who will not let him visit his favourite shop, something that many young kids, and their Mums will definitely relate to It should engender much discussion during its reading but don’t worry it has a satisfying ending.
Remarkable illustrations too.
Do seek it out.
THE BEDTIME TREASURY OF REAL FAIRY TALES
The first unusual thing about this title is that it is written & illustrated by New Zealanders. Have a look at any selection of traditional fairy tales in a New Zealand bookshop or library and you’ll find they all come from the UK or USA.
Also uncommon is the fact that the book is illustrated with photographs rather than drawings.
We are given a clue to this with the copy that appears in the inside back cover:
Having spent over 20 years working his special brand of photographic/digital imaging magic for internationally acclaimed advertising campaigns and photographers such as Anne Geddes, Graeme Smallfield decided to work some magic of his own.
In collaboration with his wife Jane, a public relations consultant and writer, they created a new way to encourage children to use their imagination by illustrating well-loved fairy tales with ‘real-life’ images.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the books are very much a family affair with their three daughters becoming involved in assisting with the model making, prop selection and photographic shoots.
The result is a spectacular hardback book with full colour plates throughout and remarkably good value at $25.The four traditional tales, all top favourites are Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, Jack & the Beanstalk, and The Shoemaker & the Elves.
Sorry but the reproduction of the cover has got the colours all wrong. It is actually a rich dark blue where it shows as red and the colours in the four panels are qute different. My apologies to the authors and publisher.
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