Review: Our Big Blue Sofa

Jessy and Tom love their family's big blue sofa. One of these favourite things to do is bounce on said sofa, and--of course--mum and dad aren't happy about it, even though the kids are practicing for the Sofa Bouncing World Championships. Bouncing, therefore, simply must be done.

Of course, the big blue sofa is more than just a trampoline. It's also a big blue submarine (with the TV remote hidden at the bottom of the ocean) and a big blue hospital bed. It can even be a big hot air balloon, and quickly converts to a speedy taxi the moment tea's ready.

One thing the big blue sofa is not, however, is sprightly. When things go awry (after one too many big blue elephant rides), the family invests in a new, enormous, sprightly sofa.

But does it have what the blue sofa once had?

Reminiscent of Lauren Child's Charlie and Lola books, in style, layout and typography, this is a fabulous story that kids will headlong dive into. Loads of action, asides, kooky happenings, imagination and everydayness make for a well-balanced narrative that's a heck of a lot of fun.

Gorgeously-textured illustrations in a scrumptious colour palette are also a delight.

Great for reading aloud.

Title: Our Big Blue Sofa
Author/Illustrator: Tim Hopgood
Publisher: Macmillan, $20.99 RRP
Publication Date: 24 September 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781447276760
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book