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

Friday 21 April 2017

Review: The Leaky Story

Devon Sillett’s first picture book is interesting and unique in concept. It’s aimed at getting children to actually read books. It opens up the possibilities that hide between the pages, and sees the book as more than paper with writing on it, but something with heart and a lot to offer.

How does a book get anyone’s attention if it sits high up on a shelf? In this case, it leaks. At first, there is one drip. This turns into a dribble. Little J.J. Blossburn has caught on that something unusual is happening. 

He unsuccessfully tries to get the book down from the shelf. The parents are so oblivious to what is going on around them due to their electronic devices that the dribble turns into a flood.

J.J. is having a ball beneath the waterfall of letters coming from the book. Fish and crabs have entered the picture. An octopus, a seahorse and a pirate ship join the chaos that is now a flowing river.

The couches with mum and dad have been swept away and finally, mum notices something is wrong. Can the Blossburns fight off the pirate and the kraken?

A retreat is sounded by pirate and book. The family’s attention is won. They enjoyed the adventure so much, they are sure to open another book and see what other awaits them there.

This is a funny, imaginative, and meaningful story about how important books are in people’s lives, particularly in the lives of children. They offer adventure, excitement and journeys into the unknown. They entertain and educate, without being forceful or invasive. They are for many children, best friends.

This will be another of those books carried under the arm by children. Its fantastic sea blue cover, with its divine and detailed illustrations will be chosen as a favourite. The internal illustrations are bold, full of expression and colour, and tell their own story.

The parent characters are so funny! They’re in their own world while everything around them floats away! I thought the idea of the letters trickling out of the book with the water was inspirational. Anil Tortop has done a stellar job of enhancing the text through its translation. This is an impressive first book and I’m sure there will be more to follow.

Title: The Leaky Story
Author: Devon Sillett
Illustrator: Anil Tortop
Publisher: EK Books $24.99
Publication Date: April 2017
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925335392
For ages: 4 - 8 years
Type: Picture Book