From the padded cover to the beautifully decorated endpapers, the production values are top notch. But, more importantly, this book is also a wonderful example of how words and pictures can work together to tell a story.
As we turn the pages, we follow an Australian family through their week. Monday to Friday are busy, busy, busy. There's homework to be done, swimming lessons to attend, shopping to do, orchestra practice … it's non-stop. On Saturday there's sport — netball and soccer.
But then … it's Sunday.
Clocks seem to slow their hands
And Mum and Dad don't rush about
They say, 'We are not going out,
Today we have no plans.'
Sundays are a time for fun, for daydreams, for family. For baking, kite-flying and for noticing all the little things. And cleverly reflecting this change of pace, the illustrations shift from the detail-filled images of the week-day pages to bolder, simpler ones.
Today We Have No Plans is by the same creative team who brought us the much-loved All Through the Year. It's a gorgeous book and one that thoroughly deserves its place on the recently announced 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlist.
Title: Today We Have No Plans
Author: Jane Godwin
Illustrator: Anna Walker
Publisher: Penguin Viking, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: September 2012
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670075201
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book
