Nellie Belle

Nellie Belle by Mem Fox (Scholastic Australia)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-76027-410-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Nellie Belle is an adventurous dog who likes to have fun in the yard, on the street and at the beach. She loves to meet people and other animals. But maybe not all animals...

Children will happily follow the wanderings of such a cute puppy dog and relate to the places and actions.

A lovely rhythmical tale, full of repetition, this story is perfect for the very young and reading aloud.

Is it fun in the street,

Nellie Belle, Nellie Belle?

Is it fun in the street,

Nellie Belle?

The illustrations are playful and full of bright colours and happy faces. Although there is variety in the sizes of the pictures, the layout too follows a repetitive pattern, with a clue as to what is coming up next. This helps to build anticipation.

I especially love that after the climax the story unwinds, going back on itself until Nellie Belle is back where she started -- at home. This helps to make it just right for reading at bedtime.

Nellie Belle is a new book by Mem Fox, a highly respected and award- winning picture book author and is based on a beloved pet Fox once had.