Emma Quay, Scarlett, Starlet, ABC Books, 1 Nov 2015, 32pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733331589
The vibrant illustrations of this joyful book virtually leap off the page into your lap as Scarlett dances around the house to the rhythm of her dog, Jazzy Jo-Jo’s tap tapping toes. Like all starlets, Scarlett dreams of the stage and her doting parents oblige: ““A stage,” said Scarlett. “A stage,” said Daddy. “A real one,” said Mummy.” But how will Scarlett perform on stage especially without her dancing partner?
This exuberant book oozes emotion – joy, love, uncertainty, fear, excitement, anticipation, pride … right down to the doting parents. Written in tight prose, each word of this book is polished till it shines. Quay uses super short yet expressive sentences to build upon: “Scarlett shone. Oh yes, she shone. She shone so hard she could burst.” Perfect for reading aloud and tapping along to the rhythm “Tippy-tap,tap, tap.” Quay’s charmingly sketched bold illustrations (using pencil crayons, ink and photoshop) feature prominent eyes which perfectly extend the emotion of the text.
The limited colour palette of spotlight yellow and stage-curtain red reflect the performance motif and allow Scarlett to pop from the page, especially when contrasted with the judicious use of white space and subdued natural tones. And despite all the talk of glitter and gloss, the matt feel of the cover and pages goes to the heart of the simple, home-spun message of delighting in the simple pleasures.
One of my favourite pages in the book is where Scarlet is warming up – she is seen as just one of a number of children all equally primped and preened and excited – all waiting for their chance to shine just like Scarlett. The inclusiveness here is one of the delights of the story – recognition that all children can shine, and are stars in the eyes of their parents, which is all that’s important. No cut-throat competition world here – just delight in the dance.
Quay has tapped into the joy of dance and performance that would resonate in households around the world. Having had my own starlets (in ballet and gymnastics) the message of this book is precious.
Watch a book trailer for Scarlett Starlet.
Find a Teaching Guide for Scarlett Starlet on the HarperCollins website.
Reviewed by Debra Tidball
