Sarah Speedie (text) and Rebel Challenger (illustrator), Mozzies Vs Flies, Larrikin House, November 2021, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922503534
Larrikin House, the publisher of Mozzies Vs Flies, are known for publishing humorous books and this one is no exception. The tale centres on a small (presumably Australian) town that is beseiged by flies during the day and mozzies during the night. Each group is happy with this arrangement until the fateful day a school barbeque is announced. The event is to be held at 5.30pm and both groups believe this time of day to be rightfully theirs. Their solution, a battle, winner takes all and so training commences.
The text is written in four line groups with the second and fourth sentence rhyming which gives the text a predictable and song-like quality. The illustrations have a cartoon-like quality and serve to make the mosquitos and flies somewhat likeable.
As to what happens with the mozzies and flies, well they learn that cooperation is key. I doubt anyone in the small town bothered with an afternoon barbeque ever again.
Recommended for readers aged three years and older, Mozzies Vs Flies is an enjoyable and relatable read.
Reviewed by Anne Varnes
