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

Thursday 4 April 2019

Review: Letters from Australia

How much do we love a book that will keep kids busy (and quiet) for some time? The picture books of Maree Coote do just that — and her latest is no exception, with every picture once again made entirely from letters of the alphabet.

Following on from her successful range of typographic children's books, including Letters from Melbourne, Letters from New York, and Spellbound, which was shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award in 2017, Coote now takes us on a bold and mesmerising journey through Australia.

The book portrays Australia's different states and territories, along with some of its iconic features, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Uluru, to a Melbourne tram and the Great Barrier Reef. There are also plenty of cute native animals, vibrant wildflowers and even some famous faces.

Each illustration is constructed solely from the letters in its name, resulting in some stunning interpretations. My favourites include the waratah, the crocodile and the Barossa Valley.

Lovers of typography will swoon over the variety of fonts and colours, with some of the letters sideways, upside down, flattened and elongated.

Full of artistry and ingenuity, this is highly recommended for homes and classrooms.

Title: Letters from Australia
Author/Illustrator: Maree Coote
Publisher: MelbourneStyle, $29.95
Publication Date: April 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780992491789
For ages: 4+
Type: Non-Fiction Picture Book