Books & Literature

Book Review: The River, by Sally Morgan

PICTURE BOOK: A celebration of the life of the river, taking the reader on a journey of what their eyes can see and their ears can hear.

A beautifully illustrated picture book that encourages early readers to discover and appreciate their environment.
5

Bestselling author Sally Morgan has paired up once again with award-winning illustrator Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr to create a homage to river life and teach young children to explore and appreciate their environment.

The last time these two collaborated, their 2019 book Little Bird’s Day was shortlisted for an Australian Book Industry Award and a Children’s Book Council of Australia award.

The River uses the act of looking and listening to take note of what’s around us. The double-page spreads alternate between these two senses, asking either, “Look with your eyes. What do you see?” or “Listen with your ears. What do you hear?” Each question is then answered in a three-line response, naming the animal, describing its movement or sound, and mentioning the foliage.

The simple repetition of the questions allows the reader to explore the abundance of life along a river, creating an appreciation of things that are often unnoticed. It makes discovery fun, and can easily be carried beyond the pages as an outdoor game for adults to play with their children.

Malibirr’s earthy images fill each page with a distinctly Indigenous style that brings the environment to life, from ants crawling along leaves to crocodiles chomping on fish. There’s a sense of movement in each picture that highlights river life in all its abundance.

The River is ideal for early readers and is sure to help instil a deeper appreciation for nature in our kids.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet

Distributed by: Magabala Books
Released: August 2021
RRP: $24.99

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