Reviewed by Kellie Nissen
Loved by generations of children since 1916, May Gibbs’ Adventures of
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie continue to delight young readers of today. This
imaginative new tale, inspired by the classic storytelling and illustrative style
of May Gibbs has been written by Kate Wenban, with illustrations created by
Caroline Keys.
At the start of the story, we meet Snugglepot and Little Ragged Blossom
as they are enjoying a day at the beach. True to form, they find themselves in
a spot of bother, ending up at the bottom of the sea where new adventures begin
– starting with being sent on a mission to find a mysterious ‘finless boy’ (who
is, of course, Cuddlepie).
During their underwater adventure alongside the bush babies, readers
meet – or are reintroduced to – new Fish Folk friends, including Obelia, Ann
Chovy and John Dory. They ride sea dragons, face up to Moray the Gatekeeper and
act as matchmakers at the Ocean Dance.
In keeping with May Gibbs’ style, the text is denser than your average
picture book – more like a short chapter book disguised as a picture book.
However, combined with the glorious, colourful and wide-eyed illustrations Tales
from The Sea makes the perfect bedtime story or tale for shared reading in
front of the fire or outside under the gumtrees.
Targeted at a young audience of 3 – 7 years of age, Tales from The
Sea will nonetheless delight readers of all ages.
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