Review: So Many Wonderfuls

What a delightful celebration of the little things in life this book is! It seems that our world moves faster and faster, with more gadgets and technology at our fingertips every day, so I was only too happy to heed the advice on the opening page to '… don't hurry by. Hold your horses — slow down!'

Award-winning author and illustrator Tina Matthews has created a wonderful town for us to explore. There's people to talk to, places to play. There's the beach, the park, school, shops, a community hall and a library truck. Every page is packed full of people going about their day, enjoying life.

At its core, this book is all about the happiness to be found in community — something I am particularly familiar with as I live in a small rural town. But even if you're a resident of the big smoke, this heart-warming wander through the simple pleasures of everyday life is sure to strike a chord. And young kids will spend hours exploring all the detail that's been so cleverly incorporated into each illustration.

There are teachers' notes available for this book.

Title: So Many Wonderfuls
Author/Illustrator: Tina Matthews
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: August 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922077516
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book