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

Monday 3 December 2012

Review: Dick Bruna counting, shape and colour

Like many babies of the '60s and '70s, I've had a long-time obsession with Dick Bruna's iconic work. What a joy, then, to hold these little tomes, busting with primary colour, in hand.

These beautiful small format books - ideal for the littlest of hands - cover shapes, colour and numbers in a classic, retro, mega graphic way.

round, square, triangle is eye-popping with its simple but vibrant illustrations; first covering all manner of circles, then squares - and then, you guessed it. Images have no text, allowing the child and reader to say the object out loud.

my vest is white follows the dress-ups of a little girl who dons various ensembles of chic and primary-colour sensibility. As an outfit is assembled, Bruna reminds kids the various colours the child has dressed herself in.

In I can count, kids can count to 12 by enjoying a variety of tres Bruna-esque images, including his iconic bunnies and little people.

An absolutely must-have set for anyone with a particular interest in striking, collectible books. Oh, and a must for toddlers, too.


Title: round, square, triangle / my vest is white / i can count
Author/Illustrator: Dick Bruna
Publisher: Tate Publishing, $9.95 RRP
Publication Date: 3 December 2012
Format: Hard cover, small format
ISBN: 9781849760775 / 9781849760771 / 9781849760768
For ages: 0 - 4
Type: Picture Book, Toddler Book