Fearless Sons and Daughter

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.