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

Tuesday 19 March 2019

Review: New York Melody

First we were up, up and away with Mary Poppins in London and then in Paris. Now Hélène Druvert helps readers discover New York in, New York Melody.

This series of stories belong to the category of, those delicate and unique books. The use of laser-cut illustrations, make lovers of paper cut and silhouette art swoon.

The exquisite rhyme and rhythm of the story, help the notes wriggle and jiggle and dance through the book, as they float in and out of the night air. They spill out of Carnegie Hall into the Jazz Clubs of Broadway and then burst out of the darkness into the daylight of Central Park, as a man strums his guitar and hums.


The laser-cutouts and the minimal use of colours (black, white and pale blue) are delicious as they reveal instruments and musicians as the story unfolds. But wait there is more! One page has the most shiny trumpet printed in gold gilding with one valve key showing the silhouette of the Chrysler Building.

The attention to detail is breathtaking. Readers will find a variety of instruments: harp, violins, trumpets, a piano, trombones, saxophones, drums, cymbals and the humble and portable guitar. Like music, the book will enwrap you, as you travel though the streets of New York.

Other books in this series are:
Mary Poppins Up, Up and Away
Paris Up, Up and Away

Title: New York Melody
Author/Illustrator: Hélène Druvert
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780500651735
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book