A simple book exploring the joy small children have hunting and jumping in puddles. Illustrated by Karen Blair with water colours in mostly calm and muted tones, this book would make an ideal bed time story as it concludes with a ‘what will happen tomorrow?’ theme. The talents of these two Australian women in producing a beautiful story book are evident in Puddle Hunters.
The text is easy to read, even for new readers, and has a familiarity that any child with a smaller sibling learning to speak will recognise. The mispronounced words repeated by Banjo as his mother and elder sister Ruby called out with excitement are both cute and endearing. There are only small amounts of text per page but the illustrations are rich enough for many discussions and they show a generic wet, winter environment well.
This is a story that happens in many households and as such, reminds us of the joys of childhood adventures and the specialness of the winter sun after rainy days. Unintentionally, this story also gives a view of either a stay-at-home mum or a single parent family and the closeness they can have with their children. The final illustration of children snuggled in Mum’s lap reading and the three sets of wet weather gear is warm and very comforting.
This book will be a delightful addition to the library of any child between the age of two and six.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
Rating out of 10: 8
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: August 2018
RRP: $24.99 hardcover
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