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

Friday 22 February 2019

Review: Geronimo

All kids have big dreams, even if they are completely unrealistic. They are yet to be confined by the limitations the world has placed on them and love to dream of meeting dinosaurs, saving the world, and, of course, flying.

In David Walliams’ hilarious new picture book, Geronimo is a young emperor penguin who dreams of flying. His father tries to tell him that penguins can’t fly, but Geronimo won’t hear of it. Otherwise, why do penguins have wings?

Geronimo slides down slopes and takes off into the air, before inevitably crashing to the ground. But he’s not deterred, he’s sure there must be a way for his dream to come true. He spends his days soaring… then plummeting, leaping… then crashing. At night he dreams of swooping and twirling in the air and reaching out to touch the clouds.

Eventually, Geronimo’s dad has a serious conversation with him. His dream is over. Geronimo’s dad feels awful as he sees a tear rolling down his son’s face. After all, didn’t he once have the same dream as his son? Surely there must be something he can do to make Geronimo’s dream come true? He decides it’s time to take action.

Tony Ross’s fun and engaging illustrations are perfect for this story. Geronimo is loveable and funny, and all the characters are expressive and quirky. The use of sequential panels of illustrations give the story a sense of constant movement, with an almost comic book feel to the action.

An enjoyable picture book for reading aloud with kids of all ages.


Title: Geronimo
Author: David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99
Publication Date: 15 November 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780008279752
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book