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

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Review: Something Beginning with Blue

It’s just so wonderful to stretch the brains of our little ones by offering them text that confuddles the norm and leads them to think outside the box.

In Something Beginning with Blue, this clever author duo write in colour. What begins with blue? No, it isn’t the sky, nor the deep blue sea… it’s a blue whale, 555 times bigger than me!
Each new colour is hinted at on its preceding page – not only with text but with a recto picture of a child with eyes in the exact shade mentioned. These eyes are really holes peeking through to the following page, which features a coordinating, colourful creature.

Kids will love exploring the different elements of this book that make it more than just ‘learning about colours’. The text, visual clues and peek-a-boo eyes make it a multi-layered book that really make turning the pages a surprise… and a whole lot of fun.

Sharratt’s colourful and totally kid-friendly illustrations, and the super-clever placement of holes and underlying colour make this a brilliantly produced book. Adorable.

Title: Something Beginning with Blue
Author: Sally Symes
Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Walker Books, A$24.95RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2010
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406326192
For ages: 6-10
Type: Picture Book