It would be easy to allow the visuals of this book to take centre stage – they are truly stunning – a carnival of colour, a splash of riotous circus-like detail, beautifully rendered and visually-overwhelming – a Willy Wonka of candy-striped beauty.
But the story is equally charming.
Told in a fanciful, fairytale-like fashion, this is a story of a young circus performing wannabe, who dreams of soaring into the big top roof with the Light Fantastics. Alas, her only starring role is in sewing their costumes and sifting through the sawdust in search of fallen sequins.
But good friends Fat Chance and Tough Luck believe in Precious Little. They encourage her to follow her dreams, and, stringing a tightrope across the bottomless pit of the Lucky Dip, Precious Little bravely navigates the rope, only to fall into the lucky dip below.
As she falls, our heroine has to decided if she wants to take a risk, scare, stunt or rip, and it’s the risk she takes… with stunning results.
I love how, as Precious Little tumbles, the book’s pages are spun around sideways and upside down, making the reader turn the book. The text is arranged in swirls and curls, dancing along ribbons and galloping through the sky.
This is a beautifully-produced book with a charming story, illustrious illustrations and a heartfelt message about following your heart… and helping the loved ones in your life do the same.
Title: Precious Little
Author: Julie Hunt & Sue Moss
Illustrator: Gaye Chapman
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, A$24.99RRP
Publication Date: September 2010
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781741751475
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book
