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

Thursday 31 October 2013

Review: Hannah's Night

One night, a little girl called Hannah wakes up and finds she's the only person awake in her house. Her sister is sleeping. Her parents are sleeping. The house is hers to explore!

So, together with her cat Shiro, Hannah makes the most of the opportunity. She enjoys a midnight snack then borrows some of her sister's things and takes them back to her bed to play with. Through the richly textured illustrations and carefully chosen words, we can feel just how much Hannah relishes the opportunity to use items that her sister would probably never let her touch if she was awake!

Then Hannah hears a gentle coo-ing at her bedroom window. On a branch outside sits a beautiful dove, the prettiest Hannah has ever seen. It's as if the night is showing her all its treasures. But then, as dawn grows near, Hannah starts to yawn, so she snuggles up on her sister's bed and falls fast asleep.

By one of Japan's favourite, and award-winning, children's book creators, this is a gentle story that resonates with the peace and magic of night-time. Hannah's wanderings around the house perfectly capture the innocence and wonder of a young child given an unexpected chance to explore. And with its simple language and engaging storyline, it's also a lovely book for early readers to enjoy by themselves.

Title: Hannah's Night
Author/Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Publisher: Gecko Press, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781877579554
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book