Cedric Ramadier (text) & Vincent Bourgeau (illustrator), and Anthony Shuhaar (translator), What’s That, Jack? Gecko Press, April 2023, RRP $27.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781776575008
Two unusual dogs are friends when a strange ball lands beside them. The ball changes shape with the landscape. It takes them on an adventure of discovery. At times it becomes a boulder, a raft, even a blanket. What is it?
The artwork is in block colours and vivid in style. The language is simple and child friendly and engages in an imaginative romp.
Cédric Ramadier studied at the Camberwell College of Arts in London, before moving to Paris to work as an art director, graphic designer, editor, and author. Vincent Bourgeau lives in Marseilles, France, where he works fulltime as a children’s book illustrator. They have published nearly 50 children’s books. It is translated by Antony Shugaar from French to English. Shugaar has translated dozens of articles for the New York Review of Books and nearly forty novels for Europa Editions. He has translated many novels that were awarded Italy’s highest literary award, the Strega Prize.
It is a shame that the page with ‘SPLASH’ is in the margin. So readers cannot see the word fully, when each word is special. However, I still recommend it due to its originality. Children will enjoy it.
Highly recommended for children aged from 2 to 5.
Reviewed by Susanne Gervay