This book is for all kids who love a bit of silliness. Everyone knows the line that must be said and kids will be calling it out at every opportunity. It’s a quick read but one that will make kids laugh out loud, especially when they get to yell out POO!
Like several other books available today Tanya Hennessy has managed
to get one joke to fill 32 pages. Kids will love the repetition and the suspense,
however the real standout for me are the illustrations.
Shiloh Gordon has done a fantastic job bringing Rocky to
life. His cartoon style is perfectly suited for the over the top, over acting,
highly emotional, attention seeking rooster who obviously believes that he was
born to be a star.
The background characters are all perfectly understated with
his fat chickens and confused cows being a personal favourites. Shiloh’s
compositions and colour choices must also be commended.
I must also give credit to the books designer. The text size
and placement creates the perfect energy needed for this kind of book. The
centre spread, is particularly well done.
Sometimes fun and silly books can get read once and forgotten or sometimes they can become a child’s favourite. I will stand by my opinion that books of this style live or die based entirely on the illustrations. The jokes might get old but if a character captures the heart of a child they will read it over and over. Illustrators deserve much more credit than they get so here is my round of applause to Shiloh. Job very well done.
Title: CockadoodleMOO
Author: Tanya Hennessy
Illustrator: Shiloh Gordon
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication Date: 4 August 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761181603
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
