Digby and the Yodelayhee… Who?

Digby and the Yodelayhee… Who? by Renee Price, illustrated by Anil Tortop, Published by Create It Kids HB RRP $22.95

ISBN 9780992345754

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The fly pages one sees when opening this picture book are simply lovely peachy-pink colours covered with musical notes and sounds. This is appropriate really, for the story is about music, specifically that made by a number of children who play instruments such as sticks, double bass, drums and keyboard. But what most attracts Digby’s attention about the music being played is the extra loud sounds of yodelling.

Followed by his musical friends, Digby uses his noise-o-meter to track down and find the offending noise. When a door is opened, there is Maisie on stage with a microphone and huge amplifiers filling the room as she yodelayhees repeatedly. In a gloriously colourful scene, Digby and his mates, including Maisie, play their instruments and jive happily.

In the last act of this joyous story, the children hear another sound: ‘rumble gurg.’ They follow its source and finish up having more great fun.

This simple, engaging story is full of energy and fun. The illustrations are most attractive with colour which glows from the pages. A special bonus at the end of the book is a song written by the author in collaboration with her husband, Aaron Hipwell. A recording of the song can be downloaded via the QR code featured in the book.

The book is sure to be enjoyed by children aged 3 to 6 years.