Sally Sutton (text) Brian lovelock (illus.), Ambulance, Ambulance! Walker Books Australia, May 2017, 32pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN:9781925126303
This latest offering from the team that created Roadworks, Demolition and Construction, continues the flow of interesting, fun yet easy to read picture books for readers around three years of age and over.
A simple story follows the despatch of an ambulance to a minor traffic accident. The skill and efficiency of the ambulance crew is evident as they race to the scene, quickly assess the patient and rush him to hospital. While this scenario might have the potential to be confronting, the ending is reassuring when the young patient on crutches is depicted with his parents celebrating the happy outcome with the ambulance crew.
Designed to be read aloud, the clever use of rhyme, onomatopoeia and word repetition make this text aurally appealing. There is plenty of action on each page keeping the young reader engaged as Brian Sutton’s colourful and vibrant illustrations capture the energy and urgency of the situation without creating fear or panic. Double page spreads of saturated colour make this a visually exciting text while the use of large, bold print and clear font allow for easy reading.
Ambulance, Ambulance! honours the crucial, lifesaving work of ambulance paramedics with a fast paced and exciting story. It is highly recommended for pre-school and early readers.
Reviewed by John Nolan
