Lottie has a secret, and it turns out that the secret is also her fear. Told from Lottie’s view, the story explores how Lottie is feeling each week when she goes to swimming class and of how she overcomes those feelings which include fear and anxiety with the support of her new friend Walter.
While other characters such as Lottie’s mother, brother, swimming teacher and friends exist in the story, they never come into focus, it’s all about Lottie, her feelings, thoughts and imagination.
The story conveys a lovely warming feeling while it follows the growing relationship of Lottie and Walter as they do activities like read, sing, bath and even eat fish fingers together. Walter is always there, often singing Humbelly doo, Lumbelly la, Loopy loo! through Lottie’s every moment. By the end of the story readers are sure to be singing along with him.
Dreamy watercolour illustrations work harmoniously with the heart-touching text. The balance of colour, texture and use of white space is both comforting and enticing, just like Walter’s singing.
I love how Lottie and Walter took hold of my heart. As a mother of young children I could recognise the behaviours of Lottie from those of my own children and it reminded me about letting kids work things out in their own time, with their own processes. I could also see that my five-year-old resonated with and felt compassion for Lottie.
This book has had repeat read requests in my home already and I can see it will grow to be a long-term favourite.
Australian author/illustrator Anna Walker is the creator of many beautiful picture books, some of her titles include Florette, Go Go and the Silver Shoes, Peggy and one of my favourites, Mr Huff.
Title: Lottie and Walter
Author/Illustrator: Anna Walker
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia Pty Ltd, $24.99
Publication Date: 5 March 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143787181
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book