Review: On the Way to Nana's

An adventure across the Kimberley is told in playful, rhyming language, counting down from 15 to one.

The long journey takes us from Broome, through Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, to the tiny town of Wyndham, in the far north of Western Australia, where Nana lives. It's a trip of more than 1000km and one the authors know well, having driven it many times with their own children.

Their exciting travels across the striking landscape are beautifully captured in this simple counting story.

Each number is marked on a road sign, and we're treated to the familiar sights of the Kimberley, from rugged anthills and grazing cattle, to bulging boabs and dancing brolgas.

Young children will delight in spotting and counting the sights on each page, while the use of rhyme and repetition will encourage them to join in each reading.

The awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape is detailed through David Hardy's rich palette and distinctive perspective.

Each page captures a different aspect of the road trip that's visually appealing. At the beginning, we see the little girl's nose pressed against the window of the vehicle, but on other pages we merely see the back of the vehicle as it continues on the long road. There are also wonderful angles of the children, stopping along the way and interacting with their surroundings.

This is s a glorious depiction of life in the north that will inform and enthrall.

Title: On the Way to Nana's
Author: Frances and Lindsay Haji-Ali
Illustrator: David Hardy
Publisher: Magabala Books, $17.99
Publication Date: June 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925360301
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book