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

Sunday 8 March 2015

Review: London Calls

Books that tour the sights and sounds and charm of various world cities have become commonplace nowadays, but that doesn't mean they can't be snatched up greedily and hoarded and drooled over (wait--maybe that's just me) as if nothing like it has even been seen before.


London Calls is, most beautifully, another welcome excuse to tour this breathtaking city from an armchair, a car seat, a plane seat or while riding the bus. It can also be enjoyed snuggled in bed or with a mesmerised tot planted firmly in your lap. It doesn't matter how it's done, so long as it's done.

A wee girl and her gran are off on a tour of London. Big Ben is chiming; there's no time to lose. Straight to the top front (is there any other spot? really?) of a double decker bus, it's over the river to Parliament Square then past parks and palaces and fancy restaurants galore.

For a wee spot of art and culture, it's the Tates--Modern or Brit--then we hit the high street for some socks, dresses and clocks.

It's so easy to get around London. One can walk, catch the Tube, take a bus or bicycle or London taxi cab. There's even the fabulous river cruises that snake all the way to Greenwich and beyond.

From ghost tours to a revolving eye in the sky, this is London at its best, featuring heart-thumping illustrations combining modern stylings with a retro sensibility--my favourite.

At the back of the book, we meet Granny and little Pearl in more detail as they give us some facts and figures on some of the sites featured in the book.

Charm personified.

Title: London Calls
Author: Gabby Dawnay
Illustrator: Alex Barrow
Publisher: Tate, $15.95 RRP
Publication Date: 10 February 2015
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781849762304
For ages: 1 - 5
Type: Picture Book