Reviewed by Karen Hendriks
Rosie is a fun-loving rhinoceros who starts
each day with joy and wonder. She creates smiles wherever she goes and spreads
her happy magic. Perhaps, she really is a magical unicorn and not a rhinoceros.
Jimmy Barnes has created such a joyful story
that it really does make you smile. You can’t not help but not fall in love
with Rosie. Her happy, vibrant personality and strong sense of self is sure to
inspire any child to want to stay true to themselves. I love the strong message
of this book. It really doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks about
you, it’s what you think that counts.
Barnes has created this story with a charming
mix of short and long sentences. His voice is delightful, and the dialogue
shows us so much about Rosie as she goes on her morning walks. ‘Isn’t this morning exquisite?’ I do like the wisdom of the other animals who
concede that Rosie really is a unicorn. How could she possibly not be? This
story has multiple layers, appeals both to a younger child who will believe
Rosie really is a unicorn and to an older child who will understand that Rosie
is one because she believes she is. The title of this book is perfect and will
attract traffic to a bookshelf. Rosie the Rhinoceros has much heart and
is told well.
Matt Shanks’ illustrations are perfect; the
main colour choice could not be anything but pink. It captures not only the
essence of the story about Rosie, but also the eye of the reader. The endpapers
are pink with an adorable little Rosie dancing across the bottom of the pages.
Inside the book the bright yellow, title page sings that the story is about to
begin. The colour palette of purples, pinks, white and soft earthy yellows, and
greens match the text. Shanks conveys so much about Rosie with just a few
strokes that is it is masterful. The other animals are soft, cuddly, and
adorable too. A little bird journeys through the story with Rosie and adds not
only another character but shows that Rosie is never alone on her quest to
being herself.
Rosie the Rhinoceros is a picture book for 3 years
and up. This is a book that would make a perfect gift for a child to learn
about staying true to yourself. When we feel we are being our authentic selves
that’s when we are the happiest in this world. I can see parents, teachers and
libraries loving this book.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Buzz Words Books would love to hear what you think.