Catherine Jinks (text) and Tania McCartney (illustrator), Mrs Koala’s Beauty Parlour, HarperCollins Children’s Books, February 2022, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781921504648
Mrs Koala has a busy day at her beauty parlour! Counting down from ten to one, she dyes, massages, shears and pierces pampered animals before kicking back at the end of the day. The animal clients range from the everyday, like dogs, to some less familiar choices like minks and baboons. The alliteration and short text make this very fun to read aloud.
Tania McCartney’s illustrations are a stand-out. The bold and colourful digital illustrations layer patterns and textures. Young children will enjoy exploring details in the illustrations and there are fun elements to discover on each spread. A key has been hidden on each page for little eyes to spot.
Mrs Koala’s Beauty Parlour is most suitable for children aged 2-5 years.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
