Bernadette Green (text) and Daniel Gray-Barnett (illustrator), Saturday Is Pancake Day, Scribble, April 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761380389
Saturday Is Pancake Day delivers a charming children’s picture book for ages 3-7 that celebrates the simple joys of family traditions. Other books by this author include shortlisted CBCA book Who’s Your Real Mum? The title offers a non-traditional family dynamic in a positive way. These books send a particularly important message for the inclusion of same-sex parent families who exist in our community and live with the same fundamental rights as other families.
Author Bernadette Green tells with tender devotion the fable of the Red Fox family including pet Gwendolyn, a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Saturday mornings are eagerly anticipated by Papa Milo and twins Lena and Lily as this is when the family gathers to enjoy a delicious stack of homemade pancakes. Dada Henry has woken feeling like a rain cloud, so Lily and Lena have quite the imagination for a myriad menu of pancakes to bring the family together and find out what brings Dada Henry’s happiness back.
The narrative is engaging and relatable, capturing the excitement and anticipation that children often feel when looking forward to a beloved routine or a special event. Green’s writing style is warm and conversational, inviting the reader to join the journey in helping Dada Henry to feel better, creating assortments of pancakes, and eagerly waiting for Dada Henry to rise out of bed.
The illustrations from Daniel Gray-Barnett standout in style with charcoal outline work and ink colour work. Vibrant, colourful and bursting with personality, the images bring the story to life, perfectly capturing the craze of pancake day and the family-oriented atmosphere of the quirky Red Fox home. The attention to detail and the expressive, emotive nature of the illustrations will impress readers.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to celebrate the simple, everyday moments that often hold the most meaning. The tradition of Saturday pancakes becomes a touchstone for the young twins when they can count on their family coming together and enjoying each other’s company. The focus on the importance of family traditions and quality time spent together is a valuable lesson that young readers of all ages can appreciate.
With its engaging story, vibrant illustrations, and a celebration of the simple pleasures in life, this picture book is sure to become a beloved family favourite and joins a growing collection of positive representation of a LGBTQI+, same-sex family in children’s literature.
Reviewed by Chantelle Ciccotosto
