Stunning illustrations complete a picture book perfect for the younger child.
Feature image credit: Scholastic Australia
South Australian author Phil Cummings is well-known among the children’s picture book community for being the author of over 70 books, working alongside very talented illustrators, and his work in schools and libraries. Author-illustrator Connah Brecon, who worked on this book with Cummings, lives in Victoria.
Cummings has co-written two musicals for children with renowned South Australian musician Glyn Lehman, and is currently travelling through South Australia with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra who are performing music written by Glynn, adapted from Cummings’ two books, Through the Smoke and Joe and the Stars.
Joe is a boy who lives with his parents out in the countryside where there are wide-open spaces, orange sunsets and trees to climb. It is a place where he can watch the sunrise, the animals pass by, and the birds soar high in the sky. His favourite thing is climbing the tree his grandpa planted and watching the stars at night. But one day, his family move to the city and Joe’s life changes dramatically.
Joe and the Stars is a story about finding your place in the world, and friends where you least expect them. It encourages imagination and being open to new experiences.
Cummings is able to paint pictures with his words, his expertise in using meaningful similes and descriptive passages is always a joy. Brecon’s beautiful artwork is a wonderful addition to the story.
The change in colour palette between the countryside and the city, with a bleak grey road joining the two, perfectly divides Joe’s past and future. The countryside, full of bright reds and oranges, with the dark blue sky full of stars, is a stark contrast to the black and blue colours of the city. The reader can feel Joe’s contentment in the country, and his sadness when he moves, through the beautiful illustrations.
It is always a joy when inside the front and back covers of the book tell part of the story.
Joe and the Stars is an excellent book for children experiencing the loss of someone close to them, or those who have to move away from a home they have loved. It was named a Notable Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards for 2022.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Scholastic Australia
Released: February 2021
RRP: $26.99
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