He's a clever, clever man.
I love this book. There, I said it. Who wouldn't love a wobbegong in Speedos with a Euro beach towel and a retro radio? Who wouldn't love a nosey-parker crab, a sticky-beak stingray and gossiping clam in board shorts?
Who wouldn't love text that lingers on the tongue and makes you smile and smack of 1960s picture book classics?
When a whale in a frock, an octopus family and a seabird selling ice cream join in the gossiping tirade about the wobbegong and all his perceived faults - 'he's pale, he just lies there, he doesn't eat a thing...' - we know something's gotta give.
No spoiler alert here.
Funny, dry, fabulous, What's Wrong with the Wobbegong is one of illustrator Gregory Rogers' last picture books and is a true treasure to behold, after his recent, tragic passing. The combination of Gwynne and Rogers in this book is talent personified, and this is a must-own picture book for anyone who loves - picture books.
Title: What's Wrong with the Wobbegong
Author: Phillip Gwynne
Illustrator: Gregory Rogers
Publisher: Little Hare, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 June 2013
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781921714962
For ages: 5 - 10
Type: Picture Book
