'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Review: Lilli-Pilli's Sister

Anna Branford uses Lilli-Pilli the fairy to answer some of the questions and concerns young children have when a new baby is expected. Things like … Will the tiny bed be the right size? Why is mum so tired and her belly so big?

Lilli-Pilli is also helping her dad to get everything ready for the baby. They make sure furniture is smooth and safe. And later, to make the crib soft, she asks kookaburra for a feather, moth for an empty cocoon, and the river bird for a tiny nest.

All the while she is gathering everything together, there’s one thing Lilli-Pilli is sure of: soon she’s going to have a baby sister. Lilli-Pilli can feel it in her wings. She really wants a sister, but each of the animals she encounters asks her if she’s sure, and Lilli-Pilli becomes uncertain. When the new baby arrives unexpectedly, the young fairy gets the perfect surprise.

Lilli-Pilli’s Sister is gorgeously illustrated by Linda Catchlove whose experience as a botanical artist brings a fabulous perspective to the fairy-inhabited Australian bush. The real world is wonderfully integrated with the imagined one.

This would be a great book for young children who love fairies, or if you want to prepare to welcome a new baby into the family.

Title: Lilli-Pilli’s Sister
Author: Anna Branford
Illustrator: Linda Catchlove
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: March 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781921977589
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book