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

Saturday 26 September 2020

Review: The Great Realisation

The Great Realisation
is a fable born of the difficult journey the world has been on in 2020. It has relevance today and beyond, for people of all ages.

It began life as a poem written by Tomos Roberts for his younger siblings. A tale to share hope and optimism.

Tomos posted his performance of the poem online and it quickly went viral, being viewed millions of times. 

Now it's been adapted and published as a picture book perfect for bedtime reading, anytime reading.

 The Great Realisation will mean something to everyone. It's moving and celebrates good things, expressing some of the things we've learned and positive outcomes of the global pandemic.

Tomos Roberts, also known as Tomfoolery, is a young spoken word poet, performer and filmmaker. In this book, his poem is illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal nominee, Japanese artist Nomoco.

Nomoco's unique stylised images depict people, places and experiences from varied perspectives and with wonderful use of colour. On one double-page, you'll peer from above planes toward cars below. Another is covered with people moving quickly, rarely interacting. Then there are pages filled with people being creative and kind. All leading to the climax, and acknowledgement that hindsight is 2020.

I love this book, this poem, and cannot recommend it highly enough. If you've not seen the video of The Great Realisation, watch it now. Then buy yourself a copy of the book and share it with everyone. It tells a story, and a message, that deserves to be heard far and wide.

Title:The Great Realisation
Author: Tomos Roberts
Illustrator: Nomoco
Publisher: Harper Collins, $ 24.99
Publication Date: September 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460759806
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book