Author: Vanessa Holle
Illustrator: Vanessa Holle
Publisher: Pier 9, $24.95RRP
Format: Hard cover
Language: English
ISBN: 9781741965049
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book
About: Vivi, a little German girl, has an Australian godmother, Bean. She has heard so much about Bean and longs to meet her in person, but the fact that she lives so far away has stopped her. Until now.
One day she decides to take matters into her own hands, and so begins the tale of Vivi’s travels. Using some very interesting means of transportation, including whale (one who is, of course, delivering ‘whale mail’), camel and kangaroo, Vivi eventually arrives in Sydney to meet Bean and her family.
Such a long trip is exhausting and Vivi still has to make the journey home.
This story is appealing for so many reasons. Firstly, the beautiful semi-cloth-bound hardcover gives you the feeling that this book is something special.
The rhyming narrative of Vivi’s adventures is fun and sweet, sharing with children the excitement of travel: the anticipation of arriving, the concept of faraway places, even the idea of knowing and connecting with someone without having met them.
The visuals – simple, colourful illustrations and uniquely laid out word flow – complete the magical whimsy of Vivi’s story.
You and your children won’t be disappointed with this lovely yarn.
- this review by Megan Blandford of Writing Out Loud
This book can be bought online