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

Thursday 30 May 2013

Review: Yoo-Hoo, Ladybird!

Green. GREEN with envy that our Mem Fox has scored Laura Ljungkvist as illustrator for this adorable seek-and-find book. I've been a long-term fan of Laura's work and her stunning interpretation of Mem's wordage does not - in the least, tiniest bit - disappoint.

Where is ladybird? She's hiding because she loves it. Yoo-hoo! Ladybird! Where are you? There you are . . . hiding in a bathtub scene of divine, colourful and slightly kooky imagery, collaged into the sweetest and most cohesive scene, using both block and textured imagery, and photography.

The imagery is so delicious - like a scoop of multicoloured gelati - that you almost forget to look for Ladybird. But turn the page - and there she is! a close-up shot of her hiding behind the rubber ducky.

Where is she off to next? On the stairs, in the playroom, out in the garden - each time hiding in a visual wonderland that makes my heart go pitter-patt.

Mem uses the rhythmic, repetitive and simple text she does so well, making this book perfect for the very little, who will love scouting the pages in search of Ladybird. (And ogling those illustrations, of course.)

Title: Yoo-Hoo, Ladybird!
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Laura Ljungkvist
Publisher: Penguin/Viking, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: 22 May 2013
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780670077304
For ages: 1 - 5
Type: Picture Book