Ann James, Bird and Bear and the Special Day, The Five Mile Press, May 2016, 24pp., $19.95 (hbk), ISBN 9781760402808
Two best friends are off to the park for a day of surprises and the simple joy of companionship. Busy and conversational this follow-up picture book to Bird and Bear by award-winning Ann James explores age relevant educational games with deceptive simplicity. It follows the couple through the autumn leaves, splashing in the fishpond and pausing for a picnic. In all their fun has Bear forgotten Birds’ birthday?
A mix of sweeping crayon lines barely contains joyful dabs of watercolour in a pastel palette with excellent use of white space. Text is suitably lighthearted and set in a pleasing soft grey handwriting font.
An excellent book for preparing Kindergarten classes for a nature walk, encouraging readers to look for reflections, shadows, details and horizons. Readers will learn concepts of opposites as they journey through the day. Its great to see imaginative play as the driving force of this story, coupled with the reassurance that true friends never forget.
Suitable for 2 to 5 year olds.
Reviewed by Liz Anelli
