Kirsten Ealand (text) and Deb Hudson (illustrator), Like a Gannet, Windy Hollow Books, October 2024, 28 pp., RRP $29.95 (pbk), ISBN 9781922081094
Like a Gannet is a lovely celebration of the pleasures of summer swimming and the community of the local public pool.
I’m impressed how picture book authors such as Ealand convey a story and imply complex themes with just a few, short sentences and carefully chosen words. Like a Gannet builds a suspenseful narrative about protagonist, Francie, facing her fears and concludes that persistence, problem solving and support of a friend are the solution. I also love the symmetry of consistently using bird metaphors to describe Francie’s feelings and experiences, which also creates a satisfying pattern.
I identified with Francie, who, like me, lacks sporting competence on land and is more capable and confident in water – similarly to the clumsy gannet bird who becomes graceful when diving. But unlike Francie, I never set myself a challenge quite as daring and ambitious as hers – to dive off the high diving board. Can she do it?
I love Hudson’s images which reminded me of my childhood pleasure and camaraderie of swimming at the local public pool. Her images of sparkling, clear pool water evoke the calm appeal of swimming pools whilst there is a sense of summer fun in the brightly coloured umbrellas and swimming costumes. The energy and action in Francie’s body movements and changes in her facial expressions convey important meaning about her emotional experiences. Perspective is also cleverly used to emphasise Francie’s feelings of vulnerability.
Ealand and Hudson have sensitively told a story about wanting to fit in and the confidence that comes from tackling fears. I recommend this book as a happy summer read for children aged 4-7 years old who love swimming.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
