The Eagle Inside
by
Jack Manning Bancroft, illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft (Little Hare
Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)
HB
RRP $24.95
ISBN
9781742974699
Reviewed
by Liz Ledden
Jimmy
the little honeyeater is off to flying school, and soon feels intimidated by the
other noisier, larger birds. Wracked with self-doubt, Jimmy is targeted by a
mean cockatoo which further destroys Jimmy’s self-esteem with his taunts. It
takes a kind yet strong eagle to lead Jimmy to realise his inner strengths, and
help him recognise that size is no barrier to success.
The
rhythmic, descriptive language flows well, aided by alliteration in parts.
Action and a soaring sense of self are evoked beautifully: ‘He dodged and
weaved, ducked and dived, swerved and skimmed without touching a thing’.
The
narrative is accompanied by dramatic full-bleed images in Bronwyn Bancroft’s
inimitable illustration style. Blues, greens and browns feature prominently,
reflecting the book’s natural setting, with strong lines contrasting with dot
and leaf motifs. Each page is a visual feast, beautifully carrying the text and
cementing this mother-son creative duo as one to watch.
Bronwyn
Bancroft has had a long and successful career as an artist and children’s book
creator; however, this is Jack Manning Bancroft’s first foray into children’s
books. He is best known as founding the aboriginal mentoring program AIME at
only 19 years old, and at 29 is its CEO and a NSW Young Australian of the Year
recipient. The story is based on Jack’s experiences at university, where a
mentor helped him nurture his own strengths.
The
Eagle Inside is a tale of inner-strength, courage and self-belief, and the
power of having someone to believe in you.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Buzz Words Books would love to hear what you think.