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Friday, 30 August 2013

Review: Home

I simply adore Alex T Smith's Claude books (see a review here) with their fun storylines, adorable characters and super line-drawnings. So, I was very excited to see this picture book, written and illustrated by this very talented author/illustrator, who just seems to 'get' kids.

Once there was a house. And inside that house was a home. Inside that home were four friends called One, Two, Three and Four.


One day, the four friends begin to talk of moving somewhere a little more exciting. One things they could become pirates. Two thinks they could live on a mountain and learn to yodel. Three prefers dark caves and creepy-crawlies, and Four is fond of the big city (and the chance to boogie-woogie all night long).

Of course, the friends can't agree on where they want to move, so they finally decide to split. Only trouble is, each and every one of them want to take their house with them.

How do they solve this dilemma? And can they really as singular pieces? Will they learn the value of togetherness, compromise and friendship?

You'll have to read it to see.

This is a charming book with stacks of warm gooeys, yet not a shred of schmaltz. It has a subtle message that will resonate with kids and help them understand that it's okay to have different likes and goals, but having common ground and support and togetherness is also vital. I also love the themes of compromise.

Beautiful, über kid-friendly illustrations featuring these sweet little characters, are thoroughly enchanting, and I love the way the pages are mixed up with comic-style strips and variant typography.

Gorgeous.

Title: Home
Author/Illustrator: Alex T Smith
Publisher: Scholastic, $15.99 RRP
Publication Date: 6 June 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781407138046
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book