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

Tuesday 14 January 2020

Review: Roly Poly

Roly Poly the polar bear is an only child. All the things he has belong to him. Especially his bed! He loves it that way.

Then along comes Monty. Now Roly Poly has a brother; a brother he didn’t ask for. Monty gets in Roly Poly’s way. He is ignored and resented.

It‘s when harsh words are spoken to Monty and an accident occurs, that Roly Poly is forced to rethink his attitude towards Monty. He has more to lose than gain.

Jane Dyer has created a wonderful character for Roly Poly. His negative emotions are recognised by the lifting of his nose in the air, the turn of his shoulder towards Monty, and how he strides away from his brother in anger.

This is a perfect depiction of how a child reacts when a sibling enters their space after they have been the only focus of the parents for some time.

Dyer has done a wonderful job translating Mem Fox’s minimal but meaningful text. White is the main colour and background feature throughout the book. It changes to blue when the accident occurs. This separates the former with the present actions and the outcome changes. I found this a clever way of creating the shift in the story.

Roly Poly is ideal for initiating conversation between parent and child when their behaviour changes due to the addition of a sibling. It is also a useful tool for preschool classrooms that choose to address any noticeable change of attitude in children due to a new born at home.

Title: Roly Poly
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Jane Dyer
Publisher: Penguin Random House $19.99
Publication Date: 19 Nov 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760896348
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book