Emma Watkins and Oliver Brian (text) and Kerrie Hess (illustrator), Hello, Emma Memma, Penguin Books Australia, February 2023, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761341045
Emma, the loved yellow Wiggle, has reinvented herself and in this book she shows how she has now transformed herself into Emma Memma.
The book is the first in a series of story, novelty and activity formats, focussing on Emma Watkins’ love of dance, sign language and music. Books to follow will introduce key characters in Emma Memma’s world. Emma is introduced as though she were a butterfly growing through the butterfly’s life cycle, with a focus on her ginger curly hair, pink and orange outfit, and pink gum blossoms.
I received the hardback book, but there is a simultaneous eBook and audiobook release and an Auslan video translation. It’s a clever piece of marketing but has many subtle teaching points within the text. The illustrations, within their pink and orange theme, are muted. I would have liked to see more distinct use of colour, away from pastel hues into stronger tones.
Young children who loved Emma as the yellow Wiggle, are sure to enjoy her new persona. New generations will enjoy her new series of Sing, Dance, Sign.
Reviewed by Maureen Mann
