After a while, the kids start to worry and imagine that something extreme has happened to their teacher, did a shark eat her? Will they ever find her? A clever ending leaves the class feeling more fondly towards Miss Kraken.
School-age children will relate to the classroom environment and maybe even the strict, cranky or weird looking teacher. By the end of the book they may be encouraged to appreciate their teachers despite their less desirable traits.
The illustrations add detail and funny elements to make kids laugh. The use of mixed media suits the story and the contrast of monotone against a few bright colours, textures and white space has a unique and fresh feel.
I love how the endpapers show each child from the class illustrated and labeled with their name, my five-year-old also loved saying their names and relating them to children from her own class.
Miss Kraken is a fun book which school children are sure to enjoy, particularly in groups. The cover and the pages are thick and strong, perfect for repeated use from little hands in the classroom or library.
Nicki Greenberg is an Australian author, comic artist and illustrator, some of her other books include Bitsy and Meerkat Choir.
Title: Miss Kraken
Author/Illustrator: Nicki Greenburg
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 3 September
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760637743
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book
