Could this new book stand alone from GHMILY's simple, pure message of love that's sold multi-millions of copies around the world?
Happily--yes.
There, There is a gorgeous picture book that's every bit as charming, warm and loving as Guess How Much I Love You. Like the former, it also has storyline that, thankfully, just manages to steer clear of schmaltz.
Little Hansie bear is a tad accident prone. When he decides it might be fun to walk like his duck friends, he instead tumbles headlong down a ditch and scratches his knee.
Dad to the rescue. And Dad is there again when Hansie manages to get sand in his eyes ("Do blinkety-blink like this and you'll soon be better.") and when he bumps his head on a branch.
Don't worry. Dad isn't a helicopter parent. He lets his young son tumble and fall and play, and is only there when things go awry, as any loving parent would--with a cuddle, a few words, some advice on how to do things better next time.
There, There harnesses the thought processes and movement of very young children beautifully. It's a lyrical and lovely story, with cuddle-soft illustrations by Ivan Bates that contain so much emotion, it's palpable. The illustrations also contain unexpected humour and charm that frequently pull the mouth into a deep smile.
Kids will adore this book. Adults will, too--and that's saying something from a reviewer who normally dislikes books with even the barest hint of schmaltz.
Title: There, There
Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Ivan Bates
Publisher: Koala Books, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 November 2013
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781742760728
For ages: 2 - 6
Type: Picture Book
