Venita Dimos (text) and Natashia Curtin (illustrator), The Big Flappy Ears (Mini & Milo #3), Walker Books, August 2023, 32 pp., RRP $25.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760656164
Dear Mini; she just can’t seem to retain information. She tries but, despite her magnificent ears and good intentions, the messages just don’t seem to sink in. At times, when Mini is asked to clean her room, she hears “Mini, it’s time to play in your room”. When she is asked to “finish her game”, she hears “just one more game.” But Mini doesn’t really know the extent of the problem until the day of the school excursion when she misses this very important event because she hasn’t listened. This makes Mini very sad. Thankfully, Mini’s friend Milo has a suggestion that will help Mini remember things that she is told. After all, Mini is an elephant and they always have a great capacity to remember; plus, Mini has magnificent big flappy ears.
This book is a joy and a lesson for all ages. I know a couple of teens who could gain an insight into ‘listening skills’ from this simple and insightful story, even in their mature years. The text is succinct and delightful; the illustrations are absolutely charming. I loved every word, every illustration, and every page of Mini & Milo: The Big Flappy Ears. It is a treat for all ages to be enjoyed for its message and its endearingly sweet humour.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
