Reviewed by Kathleen Grace
This is the 10th anniversary edition of
this picture book which author Delia Falconer said was an ‘instant classic
(that) should be on the bookshelf of every Sydney child.’ Its reach, however,
ought to be wider, to include any Australian child from 8+ years. It’s written
as an alphabet book with a focus on Sydney, beginning with ‘amusement’ (Luna
Park in Lavender Bay) with masterful rhyming quatrains. The book includes
animals and insects such as bats, ibis, kookaburras, and cicadas, as well as
fauna – Moreton Bay figs, nature strips, jasmine, and jacaranda. Other subjects
are Parramatta, Circular Quay, garage sales, xpress bus, even yum cha!
Every double page spread contains a verse on one side
and illustration on the other. The illustrations are quirky and vibrant, being
a combination of hand-drawn, painted pictures, and photographs. On the page
devoted to the letter ‘x’, there’s a photograph of actor Walter Matthau driving
a city to Circular Quay bus. On the Easter Show page, there’s a ride with
photographs of people on swings, as well as a grand champion chook, and a
reserve champion.
Being published in time for Christmas 2022, this unique picture book will delight and inform both adults and children.
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