Monsters
is a stunning publication, made more so by award winning book designer Sandra
Nobes who has designed all Anna
Fienberg’s and Kim Gamble’s work, plus the exquisite, Small Things by Mel Tregonning.
This is a special book in more ways
than one. It was begun by Kim Gamble, and completed by his friend, Stephen
Axelsen after Kim’s passing.
Tildy sees monsters at sunset and by moonlight. No
one can help her with her fears for others can’t see anything. Not Aunt Beetle
who as a world traveller, has returned with masks
from Africa and scorpions from Egypt, nor any of her twenty-three cousins.
Tildy sleeps with one eye open. Nothing can remove
her fear.
Hendrick, a new boy at school, is put next to
Tildy. He draws and draws – monsters! He believes they exist, but has no fear
of the ugly squirmy things.
When a friendship is formed between the two
children, Tildy is invited for a sleepover in the tent in the yard. She scans
the area for the horrid monsters. But there they are again, everywhere, hiding
within the banksias and trees.
Can Hendrick show Tildy how to overcome her fears?
Or will her imaginings continue to get in
the way of everything good?
Brilliant prose is aligned with divine
illustrations and a strong message about facing our fears regardless of age,
and exposing them for what they really are.
This is an excellent book for adults and teachers
to use to initiate discussion with children who have fears of any kind. The
glorious illustrations will serve as fine visual examples to question and
explore emotions and feelings of insecurity that arouse fear in the young and
why. Fans of Tashi, young and old,
will welcome this treasure to their library; the last creation of a great
talent that gave the world such joy through his work.
Title:
Monsters
Author:
Anna Fienberg
Illustrator:
Kim Gamble and Stephen Axelsen
Publisher:
Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication
Date: 23 May 2018
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781760293369
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book
