Look What I'm Reading! Penelope Pratley

Penelope Pratley is an illustrator, writer and educator who made her illustration debut in February 2018 with The Art Garden. Penelope is currently illustrating books for EK Books, New Frontier Publishing and Christmas Press.

She spends her days creating wonder, ignoring the housework, eating chocolate freckles and teaching others to interpret their world through art. Here's what she has to say about her love of reading.

When I sit down to read, not a lot gets done in relation to the rest of my life. When I read, I am fully immersed in that book’s world and I’m certainly not going to let a load of dirty school socks tempt me back to ‘reality’.

How I love a good tale to get lost in.

Review: All The Colours Of Paradise

Glenda Millard's All the Colours Of Paradise is about the importance of communication in all it's forms. In the fourth book in this gorgeously atmospheric series, a year has passed since Perry Angel came to live in The Kingdom Of Silk.

Dressed as Superman, he is slowly emerging from his seven suitcase years. His favourite thing, other than Blue the dog, is drawing. So when Mr Kadri puts a poster up in his cafe announcing the annual art exhibition Perry sets to work.

This is a story about the language of pictures conveying a depth of feeling that is impossible with words alone. Annie and Ben understand this. Mr Kadri, who owns the Colour Patch Cafe, understands this. Not only can he speak his native language and English, he understands language of pictures too.

Review: Perry Angel's Suitcase

Not one of us can say we have never yearned to fit in, to feel we are wanted and that we are loved. That we have a place in the world to call our own. When all is said and done we are all searching for a place to belong.

Imagine a tiny child, a ward of the state, whose mother has flown to heaven not even leaving him with a name. A small boy who clutches tightly to the one thing he is certain of. A battered suitcase that has been his constant companion. Providing a safe place in which to hide his feelings. Somewhere to hide his wanting, searching, needing, yearning, battered seven year old heart. An injured heart that begs to belong.

Review: Layla Queen Of Hearts

I am entirely sure that Glenda Millard has weighed and measured hearts. She knows exactly the weight of a heart as if she has held it in the palm of her hand and listened to it pour out its secrets. Every time I read one of her stories I am reminded of moments forgotten in my haste to grow up and Layla Queen Of Hearts does this more than you will ever know. There are moments, like photographs, that until rediscovered, have formed a part of you that nestles quietly in a photo album waiting to be rediscovered. 

We all have that one special friend who becomes family. The one who blends in, who you don't have to explain things to. Where there is an unspoken understanding - a whisper between hearts - a knowing.

Review: The Naming Of Tishkin Silk

There are stories that unsuspectingly weave themselves into the very fabric of your being. The Naming Of Tishkin Silk is one of these rare treasures. A story to be read and re-read. It is for this reason that I have been hesitant to offer my thoughts.

What if I fail to tell you how very special this book is? How beautifully Glenda Millard has created a whole world. A world that not only includes the story of the main character but gives you a sense of every other character in the story with such clarity you feel as if you have known them your whole life?

Review: Moon

Moon is a tender story that wraps its pages gently around the relationship between a father and son, spreading the message about the importance of our relationships with family and providing a way we can remain close, even when we are far apart. 

It is always difficult to say goodbye, especially when one of your parents must travel away for work and you don't really have an understanding of how long they will be gone for. By making the moon a central presence in this book we travel across the land and sea as Max and his Dad find a way to connect despite the distance.

Review: The Art Garden

An absolutely gorgeous story about creativity and friendship, showing there is more than one way to be an artist.

My first thought when I opened the cover was, 'Ooooo Beautiful.' And that was just my reaction to the end papers! The beauty continues with each turn of the page. Soft watercolour illustrations perfectly complement the gentle language that tells the story. 

Announcement: New Reviewer Penelope Pratley

We adore expanding our KBR family with vibrant and enthusiastic individuals who adore children's literature as much as we do.

Penelope Pratley is one such person who's life centres around creating, absorbing and sharing divine stories for children.

You may recall, we invited Penelope to share her illustrative secrets with us earlier this year. If not, here is her Meet the Illustrator interview.

Kids' Book Review is jumping-cow happy to have Penelope join our spirited little team and can't wait to share her reviews with you. Meantime, take a moment to get to know her better.