CUMMINGS, Phil (text) Sara Acton (illus.) Bridie’s Boots Working Title Press, 2014 unpaged $24.99 ISBN 9781921504723 SCIS 1674875
When Bridie turned five, she got a pair of boots for her birthday. They were the best boots ever – perfect for jumping in puddles, crossing wild rivers and having adventures. A year passed, and just before Bridie’s sixth birthday there was a big storm – time to wear her boots again! Unfortunately they no longer fit, but Bridie’s mum knew exactly what to do with them.
Every child has experienced outgrowing a favourite piece of clothing or pair of shoes, so this book is instantly relatable. The text is everything a picture book text should be – sparse and clean – leaving only the crucial words in place, and allowing enough room for the illustrator to tell some of the story in pictures. The illustrations are very appealing, and depict movement well. The observant reader will pick up things in the pictures that aren’t mentioned in the text. There is also an important message about not throwing away things you can no longer use and would appeal to pre-schoolers and lower primary students. Recommended.
reviewed by Rebecca Kemble
