Fearless
Sons and Daughter written by Colin
Thompson, illustrated by Sarah Davis (Harper Collins)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9780733330872
Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness
Ever since Fearless was first published, readers have anticipated the next
title in the series. I was no different. Colin Thompson’s original story was
beautifully enhanced by the wonderful illustrations of Sarah Davis. We followed
Fearless from a pup in a pet shop window and grew to know and understand the
breed of the British bulldog through his antics. Fearless was a dog who didn’t
live up to his name and Thompson and Davis were adept at showing their readers this
through the perfect combination of both text and illustration.
In this third Fearless story, I feel
that the text of Thompson has now become the vehicle for the illustrations of
Davis for while they take centre stage on each page, the story seems to run
second.
Thompson tells us that while people may
grow up to become more sensible, on the other hand, although he grew bigger,
Fearless’ brain stayed as confused as ever. This didn’t change when Fearless
became a father to five pups – four sons and a daughter. Both Fearless and
Primrose have no idea where they have come from, yet Fearless somehow knows
it’s his job to teach them everything he knew. Dangerous things like vacuum
cleaners, lawn mowers and handbags, which could often creep up on you when you
least expect it, the garden outside, but especially the pond.
Fearless’ confusion increases when the
pups begin to disappear (they have been weaned and are going to new homes) and
he fears the orange ‘sharks’ in the pond have eaten them. This is backed up by
Eric, the last puppy who claims he ‘saw’ his brother in the pond.
Fearless is too frightened to accompany
Eric to the pond to ‘rescue’ the apparently missing pup so it is up to Primrose
and Eric.
Seeing her own reflection in the pond,
Primrose leans in closer to chase it away from her baby, accidentally falling
in, which brings Fearless crashing through the rose bushes to rescue her.
Perhaps, he will overcome his fear of the pond after all.
It’s up to Eric, however who doesn’t hesitate and jumps in immediately, while the goldfish
‘sharks’ hide under the water lilies.
The final illustration of a rather
fierce looking goldfish with teeth is a great match to Thompson’s (Fearless)
perfect closing statement.
Will there be a future story focussing
on Eric, who is the antithesis of his father? I suspect readers will remain
hungry for Davis’ illustrations which continue to delight both children and
adults.
Nice story of Fearless Sons and Daughter. Hope that this story must be important to another family to their sons and daughter. Thanks for good post. Keep it up. I will come back. Passion for life
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