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

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Review: George the Bilby Chef and the Raspberry Muffin Surprise

George the Bilby is a fine cook. He can cook just about anything but his great love is sweet treats (I know how he feels!). As he bakes cakes, he sings a little tune.

Today is Betty the echidna's birthday and George is keen to bake her something really special. He knows Betty loves raspberries but snaffling some little red jewels from the vine and then shipping them home, proves somewhat difficult.

With a little help from his local friends, however, and lots of shenanigans along the way, George finally has his special treat ingredient.


This is a relatively high-text picture book, making it a narrative tale that relies on story more than image. Nevertheless, Jedda's illustrations are just divine, and beautifully complement the text. Even very young children will enjoy having this traditional-style and very sweet tale read at bedtime or storytime.

A note that the online pictures of this book cover are a little more saturated and fluorescent than the real life book, which has a much softer, really gorgeous colour palette.

Title: George the Bilby Chef and the Raspberry Muffin Surprise
Author/Illustrator: Jedda Robaard
Publisher: The Five Mile Press, $14.95
Publication Date: 1 February 2016
Format: Hard cover, small 
ISBN: 9781760067113
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book