This is a beautiful picture book showing the joys of including all types into a community activity. It has colourful and inviting illustrations with simple text that can be read to the youngest children and will then be read by themselves as they grow.
The meerkat eyes draw you into the pages, as does the representation of musical tones. Illustrations are not elaborate and feature characters without background. The author has chosen differing fonts to engage the reader and encourage expression in reading. Several illustrations show subtle levels of humour and warmth when looked at in context with the accompanying text.
It has a clever and subtle message of acceptance through both text and illustration with the final page showing the outcome of not being open to new friendships. It also gives young people an insight into the excitement of rehearsals, being in a group, and the fun in music. Throughout the story, young readers meet a turtle, bats, a colourful bird, a giraffe, a hedgehog, a snake and even a crocodile who, once told they cannot join the Meerkat Choir, form their own group.
This is a book that will quickly become a favourite and one that will be reread often. It is an excellent gift for children between the age of two and seven.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
Rating out of 10: 9
Released by: Allen & Unwin
Release Date: October 2017
RRP: $24.99
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