Review: Mockingbird Song

A traditional song is warmly retold in this adorable book by Carol Thompson. Beginning with the well-known verse –

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word . . .

– our wee little man is told that if his mockingbird don’t sing – papa’s gonna make you a daisy-ring. And so on goes this wonderful series of promised gifts, from making him a sailing boat to finding a four-leaf clover and releasing a butterfly into the sky.

Being able to sing along to text is an ideal way to engage children, and create a memorable reading experience for both parent and child. But Thompson’s illustrations are what make this book truly shine.

Using softly washed colours and charming characters, with collage-like techniques using papers and cut outs, this book is a visual delight – and the central character is someone little ones will readily relate to.

With a hard-wearing thick paper cover and strong pages, and in a larger format with rounded edges, this is a beautiful-looking book, great for younger kids, too.

Sure to become a repeat read.

Title: Mockingbird Song

Author/Illustrator: Carol Thompson
Publisher: Child's Play, $14.95 RRP
Publication Date: 31 October 2011
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781846434464
For ages: 2 - 6
Type: Picture Book