Bogtrotter

Bogtrotter by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Judith Rossell (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9781921977558

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

When you don’t know what or who or why, just try - something new.

Bogtrotter’s life was predictable; even boring to say the least. He did the same thing every day. A question from a frog changed his world.

The first thing he notices is the flower between his toes.  Hope can be born through one flower. Hope makes you daring. You feel you can speak to others. Sharing words can bring a smile to your lips. A smile can make you happy. Happiness makes you notice things around you.

Bogtrotter still didn’t know what or who or why. Why did all these things come into his life?  Then he saw the frog again. The frog’s ‘why not?’ made the Bogtrotter think.

This is a brilliant and thought-provoking picture book for all ages. It dares you to move out of your comfort zone; to try new things. It encourages the discovery of everyday life and its joys, and uncovers the freedom this discovery brings.

With stunning watercolour illustrations in shades of green and blue throughout, I loved this book. The daisy chains on the end pages seemed like a metaphor for all these themes that joined together. This inspiring book is full of hope and the possibilities that come with change.