Title: Hullabazoo!
Author: Lisa Hollier
Illustrator: Tracey Roper
Publisher: Penguin, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: May 2010
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780670074822
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book
About: If you’re reading this – well done! I congratulate you for being able to tear your eyes away from that cover. It took me quite a long time to do so.
Open the book and it doesn’t become any easier; each page will have you staring in pure amazement. These illustrations are what dreams are made of: the detail, the colours, the realism. Oh boy.
I was almost hesitant to read the text, so sure was I that it couldn’t possibly live up to the artwork. But I read it through, literally open-mouthed in awe at the talent of these two women.
This is the story of a young boy, Lochlan, who goes on a trip to the zoo with his dad. Together, they watch the crocodiles but things turn awry when Lochlan drops his hat into the water. This one red hat sets of a chain of events, a huge commotion, when it blocks the drain and causes a giant waterspout, shooting the hat out into the open.
The crocodiles are watching the whole scene with great interest, and they conspire to use this method to get themselves out of the pen.
As the crocodiles wander around the zoo letting all the animals free, Lochlan comes up with a plan to restore order to the zoo. Will he manage to save the day?
The rhyming text is funny; truly hilarious. It is fast-paced, energetic and full of descriptive words that will have children right there with little Lochlan.
This first – yes, first! – picture book by sisters Lisa Hollier and Tracey Roper is astounding. Amazing. Inspired by Lisa’s son, Lochlan, the story features many of their family members; creating not just a book but a fabulous piece of memorabilia. This is a family trip to the zoo that we’re all invited to – and one that you won’t want to miss.
I cannot wait to see what this pair comes up with next.
And have I mentioned that I adore this book?!
This book is available online
