Mavis: The Little Plane Spotter

Mavis: The Little Plane Spotter (Wombat Books) Angela Toniolo & Shannon Melville PB RRP $27.99 978176111938

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

This is Angela Toniolo’s debut picture book. She is passionate about creating funny, informative, and heartwarming picture books.

Shannon Melville is a book illustrator, school art teacher, disability arts worker, and graphic designer. She uses a mix of traditional and digital techniques in her illustrations. She enjoys every step of the book-illustrating process—from researching image references and sketching characters to creating roughs, final artwork, and graphic design layouts.

It’s World War Two, and Darwin is bombed. Ten-year-old Mavis wants to help with the war effort, but what can she do? Become a plane spotter! One Saturday, while on duty, Mavis spots an enemy plane through her binoculars. Does she have what it takes to help save the town?

This book is based on Mavis, the author’s grandmother, and Doreen, her great-aunt.

Angela Toniolo has beautifully recreated what life was like for girls and families during the war years. Through the simplicity of her words, she captures the slower, simpler way of life, bringing that time to life in a way that feels both authentic and heartfelt. When Mavis was ten years old, she had lots of jobs. She peeled potatoes for dinner. She churned butter for baking.  

It truly feels like uncovering a time capsule. Not many children today would know that the Japanese bombed Darwin, but the war really did reach Australia’s shores. Toniolo has woven in actual facts from her family, making the story impactful, heartfelt, and educational. Who would have thought that people dug trenches in their backyards or that there were air raids in Darwin?

Told through the eyes of Mavis, with Doreen's influence, the story has a powerful, authentic voice. School is such a big part of a child’s life, and highlighting that those children practised air raid drills and hid under their desks when the sirens sounded brings a strong connection for young readers. Without giving too much away about the plane spotting, the story shows how children truly could contribute during the war. It makes you wonder—would that still be the case today?

Shannon Melville’s soft pastel colour palette perfectly captures the essence of this time in Australia. Her thorough research and attention to detail are evident on every page, from the hairstyles and clothing to the toys, furniture, and home life. The visual elements provide young readers with rich context and beautifully complement the text. I especially love the double page spread that recreates the family’s newly built bunker. Melville’s use of white space and the charming depictions of the characters really draw in the eye, immersing the reader in the story. Her thoughtful use of perspective brings the characters to life, and allows them to truly shine

Mavis: The Little Plane Spotter is a picture book that makes learning about Australian history both fun and educational. Inspired by a true story, it appeals to readers of all ages. The book aligns with the Australian Curriculum, making it an excellent resource for schools to complement their history units. parents, teachers and librarian. Children four years and older will really enjoy this book.