Snowy and Snuffles

Snowy and Snuffles illustrated by Felicity Gardner (Lothian/Hachette)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN: 9780734413888
Reviewed by Hilary Smillie

This is a gorgeous little book about siblings and beautifully illustrated by Felicity Gardner who recently made her debut with Where's My Potty? Her lively depictions of Snowy, an exuberantly loud wombat and his quiet brother, Snuffles, extend the meaning of the story to great and often hilarious effect.

Snowy is in endless trouble because of his wild interpretation of life and Snuffles is often on the receiving end of his antics. But he doesn't seem to mind being plastered with cereal catapulted from Snowy's spoon, or being pushed recklessly on the swing and falling off. It is obvious that Snowy is simply full of fun and means no harm, but his mum has to keep him in line while his more careful sibling gets the rewards. There is no hard feelings between the brothers and they are the very best of friends.

This jolly and endearing tale featuring a rare white wombat will resonate with both parents and children, especially those with siblings who are opposites. Felicity has captured the personalities of the characters so well that it could almost be written without the text which is kept to a minimum, and therefore makes it a perfect picture book.