'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Review: The Wheels on the Bus

Title: The Wheels on the Bus

Author: Mandy Foot

Illustrator: Mandy Foot

Publisher: Lothian, A$24.99RRP

Format: Hardcover

Language: English

ISBN: 9780734411174

For ages: 0-6

Type: Picture Book

About: Just such a lovely thing when a beloved classic is redone, and in this beautiful new book, illustrator Mandy Foot has done a classic children's song colourful justice.

A certain favourite of children everywhere, the wheels on this bus certainly do go round and round in this tale - all over the wilds of Australia.

Opening with a luscious map studded with voyaging hotspots, we're also treated to a page-tempter by a wee green ghecko. Will children be able to find this little critter on each page? They'll certainly love to try!

As the wheels on the bus go round, our wombat driver and passengers - a kangaroo or two, a family of kooky emus, a frill necked lizard and a koala - begin their journey across the Nullabor to Coober Pedy then on through the wilds of Tassie to the Great Barrier Reef, to see the penguins on Phillip Island; even a surf at Bondi Beach - and more.

As the adorable red bus travels across our wide brown land, stickers appear on its flanks, letting us know exactly where we have already travelled, and flora and fauna native to each site emerge from the author's brightly coloured paint box to charm both adults and kids alike.

Foot's darling illustrations are not only bright, they are whimsical and oh so cute - with glossy dark eyes, curious expressions and fuzzy fur you want to touch. Her renditions of our beautiful and varied natural wonders do not revert to schmaltz. They are fun, sunny and beautiful in their depiction, making any Aussie surge with patriotic pride.

Combining beautiful visuals with a classic children's song, The Wheels on the Bus is a must-own for any proud Australian reader - and would make a timeless gift for little friends overseas.

Kids will also enjoy the delightful Wheels on the Bus website, complete with faithful tune - http://www.thewheelsonthebus.com.au/ - where kids can learn more about the great Aussie sites featured in the book.

The Wheels on the Bus is published by Lothian, A$24.99 RRP

Author website

You can buy this book online:
The Nile - $22.49
Fishpond - $21.95
Booktopia - $21.95