Robert Favretto (text) and Janice Bowles (illustrator), Boris Goes Beserk, Ford Street Publishing, September 2021, 32 pp., RRP $16.95 (pbk), ISBN 9781925804867
Boris Goes Berserk is a comical and rhythmic picture book about a huntsman spider’s entry and ultimate survival in a family’s household. As you would expect, Boris is big and brown and hairy and his unexpected arrival sends startled squeals throughout the house. Young readers will particularly adore the petrified reactions of the adults in the story and will no doubt linger on these hilarious pages. Dad finds himself in his undies trying to get rid of Boris and Mum has even cleverly cartwheeled out the door.
Poor Boris finds himself confronted with a broom and takes refuge in a scruffy blue shoe with his life on the line. But the ultimate chaos unfolds when the old trusty vac comes out and Boris scrambles up the pipe in his last attempt to escape the frightened household. The unfolding dusty mess and the calmness of the family’s children ensures Boris can finally make his escape out the window unharmed!
Favretto has crafted a cleverly written text that gently highlights the non-aggressive nature of huntsman spiders who are more likely to run away from humans than cause any harm. The highly satisfying ending in Boris Goes Berserk will be enjoyed by lower primary aged children, particularly when read aloud with family members!
Reviewed by Lana Spasevski
