But author Julia Donaldson need never have worried . . . indeed, this talented writer was probably hopping up and down with glee to know Gravett would be illustrating Cave Baby . . . I know I would have been!
The coupling of Donaldson and Gravett is a blissful one, making for a striking book both kids and adults will adore.
Our adorable cave baby is bored to tears - dad is so busy hunting, mum gathering . . . who is around to play?
When baby spies a pot of paint, he creates a masterpiece on the wall but dad loses the plot over the mess, and baby is reprimanded and told that if he's not careful, a mammoth will snatch him and throw him to a big brown bear!
Of course, be careful what you say out loud . . . when baby is indeed snatched by a mammoth and thrown to a big brown bear, what on earth will become of him? And will the bear really be all he fears?
Gravett's superlative illustrations are just droolworthy and are masterpieces of enjoyment. Donald's text, written in rhyme, gallops on through the book to a heartfelt ending.
Regardless of the subtle messaging contained in the storyline, all I'm really hoping for is that the masterpiece on cave baby's wall at the end of the book is not just a dream.
Title: Cave Baby
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Emily Gravett
Publisher: PanMacmillan, $24.99 RRP
Publication date: 1 September 2010
Format: Hard cover with dust jacket
ISBN: 9780230743083
For ages: 3 - 12
Type: Picture Book
Watch Emily Gravett draw characters from Cave Baby!
