The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race by Sophie Sayle, illustrated by Daron Parton (Hachette Australia) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9780734421821 

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

The Easter Bilby has left some eggs for the bush babies to decorate. Wombat, Bandicoot and Kangaroo find some things in the bush to paint the eggs, but Echidna is still asleep – so her friends share their colours. When the egg-and-spoon race begins, Echidna trips and ‘her egg rolls away’. Luckily, Kangaroo bounds back and says that she will carry Echidna in her pouch. Kangaroo jumps to the front, but it is Echidna who ‘is the winner by a nose’.

Ideal for kids aged three to six, Sophie Sayle’s simple story offers a delightfully Australian twist to the traditional egg-and-spoon race that is often held as part of Easter festivities. The importance of sharing with and caring for others shines as bright as the sticky yellow clay that Wombat uses to decorate his egg, and it is clear that friendship is the real winner on the day.

Daron Parton has used a light hand with the pastel illustrations, and this perfectly mirrors the tone of the text. The bush babies are suitably cute, with enormous eyes that draw young readers into the book.

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race makes a superb Easter gift, but the focus on the race ensures that this story will be read throughout the year. Littlies will love to cheer on all of the small bush babies – but especially sleepy little Echidna.