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

Monday 12 September 2016

Review: Melbourne / Sydney - Word by Word


There's just something wonderful about this retro, graphic-design style imagery pervading books and posters and ads, more so now than of recent times, And I, for one, can't get enough. From the colourways to the clever use of imagery that's deceptively simple and high on charm, this stunning design style is aesthetically pleasing for adults as it is for the very young.

Indeed, such high-contrast imagery is ideal for babies and toddlers, making these two new books perfect visual fodder for the design-savvy tot. But more than that, Sydney and Melbourne (Word by Word) also furnish a quirky, idiosyncratic trip through these two world-class cities, that will delight even the youngest reader.

Across single and double-page spreads, we're treated to words such as Dragonflies, Milkshake, Alley, Pier, Gadigal, Crowds and Spotlight for Sydney, and Umbrellas, Clocks, Stalls, Community and Bric-a-Brac for Melbourne.

Accompanying imagery is sheer visual delight, and rings in the iconic sites, sounds, flavours and pleasures of each city, from the semi-detached Victorian housing of Melbourne's inner suburbs, to the sparkling Harbour at Sydney's very heart.


These gorgeous books are a must-see. Colourful, textured, brilliantly-designed, they typify cleverness and simplicity in a richly detailed and evocative package.

Title: Melbourne Word by Word / Sydney Word by Word
Author/Illustrator: Michael McMahon / Sonny + Biddy  
Publisher: Little Hare, $29.99 each
Publication Date: 1 September 2016
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781760126674 / 9781760125523
For ages: 0 +
Type:
Picture Book