Author: Nike Bourke
Illustrator: Stella Danalis
Publisher: University of Queensland Press, $17.95 RRP
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702235016
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
About: A little girl wonders at all the things the sky knows: “how to be blue or grey or pink, how to make clouds or stars” for example. She wants to know all the secrets, from the wild winds to falling rain and roaring thunder.
Showing the sky as a source of magic and wonder, this story is appealing to kids on many levels.
Firstly, the illustrations will catch their eye. Reminiscent of a collage, using different textures and patterns with bright colours and bold drawings, these illustrations are truly unique to those in most picture books.
The text adds to the wonder and awe, but this is done in a wonderfully realistic and relatable fashion: “How to be so loud Mum can hardly hear herself think” is a favourite.
There is so much to explore on each page – almost too much at times – with the slanted text and vivacious pictures that demand attention and deserve a second, third, fourth (hundred!) looking over, just to find every piece of detail within.
Shortlisted for the CBCA’s Book of the Year (early childhood and picture book) in 2006, What the Sky Knows is a story that will have children looking up and around with a new sense of intrigue.
This book is available online
Author website
