Return of
the Fox: Further Adventures of a One-Eyed Chook by Pat Clarke,
illustrated by Graeme Compton (Little Steps Publishing)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN: 9781925117585
Reviewed
by Anne Hamilton
This
book is an unusual hyrid: it’s an illustrated chapter book presented in
over-sized hardcover format. It’s the size of a picture book for early readers,
making it about twice the usual dimensions of a chapter book. It’s of
substantial length (76 pages) with a high level of vocabulary but curiously
directed at preschoolers.
Compton’s
illustrations, particularly of Clancy the goanna (my favourite), are a treat.
Despite the title, the fox doesn’t appear until almost half way through the
story. The earlier part is taken up with a description of the friendship
between Elvis the eagle and Sheila the chook. Elvis is shot by some car thieves
while trying to prevent them from setting fire to a stolen car – an action that
could start a bushfire and result in huge loss of animal life. Sheila is hurt
while getting down from a perch. They both wind up being sheltered and nursed
back to health by Ma Taylor, a strange old lady who lives in the forest, and
takes care of a menagerie of different birds and animals.
It’s
hard to keep up with who’s who in her zoo, though Dulcie, the traumatised hen
whose speech is peppered with EGGscellent and EGGxaggerated, mannerisms is a
bird memorable for her eccentricity.
Rufus
the fox hears a rumour that Elvis has died and, although he promised in an
earlier story never to return to Goonoo Forest, decides to advantage of the
opportunity. A chook for dinner would go down nicely! Or so he thinks.
Older
children may enjoy this barnyard tale with its focus on courage and friendship.
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