They are filled with surprises, spontaneity and every
character always looks like they’re having so much fun. And how could they not
be here, when this book is about sports and fantastic fun, presented through
illustrations created in fountain pen and watercolour on paper, and clever descriptive
text.
The characters are animals that take part in
countless sports. They love competition and each sport has a breakdown of the
rules. The pages are filled with animal activity and lots of humour. It’s like
a sports picture dictionary but not in alphabetical order. In fact there is
little order in the whole book. The illustrations are plentiful on the pages
and there is movement everywhere. That’s what makes it so entertaining.
The sports include soccer, figure skating, all
forms of skiing and ice sports, and most forms of horse-riding including
Dressage and Rodeo. There is basketball, and boxing, with the different weight
classes included. All forms of climbing, fishing with its techniques and
tricks, and sports that come under the term ‘athletics’.
This is a book that will hopefully encourage
children to get out and participate in some form of sport, simply for the fun
of it. No one has to be a professional and parents should reinforce the fact
that any sport should be fun and enjoyable.
Konnecke’s illustrations are always small,
intricate and expressive. His work carries strong messages and reaches many age
groups. Sports are Fantastic Fun is
ideal visually for younger readers, but the guide for the text is around the 7+
age group in my opinion, unless it is being read by someone older.
Title:
Sports are Fantastic Fun
Author/Illustrator:
Ole Konnecke
Publisher:
Gecko Press, $29.99
Publication
Date: November 2018
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781776572014
For
ages: 5+
Type: Non-fiction
