Review: Steve Goes to Carnival

Steve is a gorilla in a zoo in Brazil. In the evenings, Antonio the zookeeper sits with Steve to listen to their favourite jazz music. One evening after Antonio leaves, Steve feels lonely. He escapes from his enclosure and goes in search of Antonio. He puts on a hat as a clever disguise and wanders out into the city hoping to find his friend.

What he finds is the excitement of Carnival in Rio. The streets are filled with dancers and musicians wearing colourful costumes. There is music and laughter and many delicious treats to eat, but Steve is focused on finding his friend.

The vivid illustrations and evocative narrative are filled with colour and joy and all the sounds of the party-like atmosphere of Carnival.

The text and illustrations are a collaboration between Joshua Button and Robyn Wells, created over ten years and inspired by Joshua’s love of gorillas and fascination with Brazil. The illustrations are inspired by 1970s Rio de Janiero.

Steve Goes to Carnival explores the wonderful mixture of sights and sounds that can be found in Rio during Carnival. The focus is on colour and music as Steve wanders through the streets of Rio looking for his friend Antonio. Bright, engaging and fun, the story celebrates friendship and the power of music.

Title: Steve Goes to Carnival
Author/Illustrators: Joshua Button and Robyn Wells
Publisher: Magabala Books, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: July 2016
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781925360219
For ages: 4 - 7
Type: Picture Book