You know the one I'm talking about, it's the one that had so much hype about it, stuff like a hula hoop, yo-yo, action figure or tamagotchi.
In Michael Speechley's first picture book, The All New Must Have Orange 430, Harvey had to have the new 'it' object, an Orange 430.
First Harvey had to get enough money to pay for the Orange 430, he looked in all the usual spots that spare change can be found. Once Harvey has bought the latest and greatest item he races home, excitedly tears into the box, but what does the Orange 430 actually do?
After trying to use the Orange 430 in many different ways Harvey decides that it is completely useless. He tries to return the Orange 430, without his receipt, to the place he purchased it from. The store owner told him 'No receipt...No return! Try taking it back to the manufacturer.' Many adults will understand the frustration involved with this kind of response.
The readers with great visual literacy will already have worked out from the sepia coloured illustrations that the manufacture is called the Useless Object International. Oh no! What a big mistake Harvey has made. Will Harvey be able to return the useless object or will he find some other way to find enjoyment from silly purchase?
Speechley's masterful use of pop of colour against the sepia tones highlights the useless objects that people have purchased; Orange 430, Yellow 727 and the Blue 125, to name just a few.
The All New Must Have Orange 430 is great read aloud, humorous and rhythmic story that tells a cautionary tale about the world of consumerism. Speechley's cheeky and funny story helps remind all readers, both child and adult, to make sure that you save for and buy objects that are useful, such as; a bike, football, guitar, paint sets and a good book to read.
Title: The All New Must Have Orange 430
Author/Illustrator: Michael Speechley
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, $24.99
Publication Date: 28 May 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143788973
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Books
