Counting wise, children will enjoy being able to count; trams, koalas, magpies, clocks and butterflies. They will also learn about Melbourne, named the most liveable city in the world in 2017, for the seventh year in a row.
Guidebook wise, the story highlight's landmarks and attractions of Melbourne and some of the tourist locations surrounding Victoria's capital city; Phillip Island, Dandelion Ranges and The Great Ocean Road.
But if you would like to explore the theme of friendship, you will need to follow the boy and girl that are shown in the illustrations. The a boy is identified in the illustrations as tourist, showing him flying into Melbourne and using a map that is written in Chinese. The girl is travelling around the same locations as the boy but they do not meet until they arrive at the Queen Victoria Markets. After sharing ice-creams they begin to explore Melbourne together.
At the end of the book there is a double page spread that highlights each landmark and attraction shown in the book's illustrations. For each location readers are provided with some historical information about the site and it's cultural importance. Some of these Melbourne icons include; Luna Park, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Federation Square.
This book caters for readers with a wide range of interests; amusement parks, sports, art and music, history and reading, animals, transport and food. Both Melbourne and the book Found in Melbourne has it all. If you haven't visited Melbourne before, I'm sure that the story will entice you to explore this marvellous city.
Found in Melbourne is the third book jointly created by Melbourne born author, Joanne O'Callaghan and Chinese born artist Kori Song. The publishers, Allen and Unwin, have simultaneously released this book as an English edition and a Simplified Chinese edition.
Title: Found in Melbourne
Author: Joanne O'Callaghan
Illustrator: Kori Song
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 28 March 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760523411
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Books
