Billy’s dad was always hammering and drilling
things in his shed. So when the poster for The Big Race was pinned up, Billy
got excited when Dad agreed to enter. They would build something together.
Billy wanted to help and learn how to build. Dad
said he was too young to use the tools, so was allocated the sweeping up. How
boring!
While dad sawed and hammered, Billy worked on his own project. He
gathered bits and pieces, added things that he found around the place, and used
his imagination to create his own cart.
When they were both finished, they viewed each
other’s work and agreed that they could make something superior by working
together. And they did.
Themes of working together, learning, and allowing
the creative imagination of a child to take form, are beautifully expressed in
this delightful picture book.
Delicate illustrations by the always expressive
work of Kirrili Lonergan, depict the joy of anticipation, followed by the
disappointment on the child’s face, then the energy that lifts Billy as he is
making something as he imagines it. I especially loved the idea of musical
notes and writing on all the wooden objects and planks of wood. What a
fantastic and imaginative addition!
Title:
Up to Something
Author:
Katrina McKelvey
Illustrator:
Kirrili Lonergan
Publisher:
EK Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: May 2019
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781925335705
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book