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

Friday 15 October 2021

Review: Plume: World Explorer

In Antarctica, you can’t tell one penguin from another. Wait! 

Except for Plume! 

With his yellow feather, he never gets lost in the crowd.

That’s not his only distinguishing factor. An unconventional individual, Plume is a flashy dresser, highly talented, athletic and a dancer. 

He surpasses all other penguins in many ways. What he loves the most is to read, and read.

A constant visitor to the Biblioteca, Plume has travelled the world within the pages, pictures and stories of books.

He has climbed mountains, explored deep rivers, trekked through tall forests and met people from countries all around the globe.

Although Plume lives alone, he is always learning – through taste, testing all the flavours of every food he can; listening to music of every kind, and paying attention to every story and piece of news Ava the Albatross shares with him.

Ava runs the Albatross Express delivery service. She always has lots to report.

Plume puts in a special order for same day delivery. Something special, so all the penguins can explore the world he has come to know through books.

There are so many things that Plume can do. The one thing he longs to do but can’t, is fly.

Ava prepares to make Plume’s greatest longing a reality. Her flight plan includes countries on the map that now hangs on a wall, that the penguins can follow.

This includes a rainbow of children prepared to share their country with Plume, world explorer.

What will Plume do with all the scenes, adventures, experiences and stories he will bring back with him?

Share them with his friends, of course, to teach them the beauty and knowledge to be found in places where they can explore through books.

Elegant as always in text, illustration and presentation, Tania McCartney’s work shines. Messages of friendship, the magic found in reading, kindness, sharing, and diversity, are layered within the story, the first in a series about Plume world explorer.

Title: Plume: World Explorer
Author/Illustrator: Tania McCartney
Publisher: Hardie Grant Explore, $24.99
Publication Date: 27 October 2021 (Aus/NZ), 11 November (UK), 23 November (USA/Can)
Format: Hardcover 
ISBN: 9781741177664
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book