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

Thursday 25 September 2014

Review: On a Small Island

This book is a beautiful and unique story about Ari who lives on a small island in a gigantic sea. Ari loves to collect materials he finds washed up on the beach. He can see other islands on the horizon and can see large ships pass by, but they never stop at his island.

One day, a ship does stop by and Ari is told all about the wonderful land on the horizon and how they always stop there.

When they leave, Ari becomes upset, as his land is not as wonderful. He longs to see the land on the horizon, and feels alone and sad, but when a mysterious object washes up on the shore, Ari has an idea.

He uses all the materials he has collected to build a wonderful building. When he wakes the next day, many people have decided to stop at his island. Ari realizes how lucky he is now, and that his island is also a wonderful land.

The illustrations in this book are unique and creative, with lots of different textures and patterns to keep the reader interested. The art is abstract and beautiful.

I loved reading this book because the author told a wonderful story about how you must work to achieve your goals. I would rate this book 9/10.

--this review by Ella, age 14

Title: On a Small Island
Author/Illustrator: Kyle Hughes-Odgers
Publisher: Fremantle Press, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 24 September 2014
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781925161168
For ages: 3 - 9
Type: Picture Book