Peter Combe (text), Danielle McDonald (illus.), Toffee Apple. Scholastic Australia, Feb 2017, 24pp., $16.99 (pbk + CD) ISBN 9781760275082
This book combines three Peter Combe songs (Toffee Apple, Newspaper Mama and Err Yuck!) with bright, bold illustrations from Danielle McDonald. Parents of today’s school aged children may remember Peter Combe, and these songs, from their own primary school days. The first video clip for Toffee Apple was released in 1987. This book also includes a CD with a recording of the songs so readers can sing/read along.
This is an appealing book – as well as the nostalgia for parents, the illustrations are big, bright and colourful which will appeal to the intended audience, pre-school and early primary. It would be a fun book to share with a child and a good way to begin early literacy. Recommended.
Reviewed by Rebecca Kemble
