Bear and Chook by the sea by Lisa Shanahan and Emma Quay
Lothian Children's Books, 2009. ISBN 9780734411112.
(Ages: 5-7) Recommended. Bear decides it
is time to go to the sea. The
air is balmy and there is a holiday sky. Chook is very uncertain about
this big
adventure - they don't know the way and even when Bear assures her that
he can
find the sea, Chook is convinced that it is too far for her. Chook has
a very
frightening journey, but Bear reassures her that all is well. Once they
get to
the sea, they have lots of fun until a big wave dumps Bear and it is
Chook's
turn to bolster Bear's confidence about returning home safely.
Shanahan's text is a delight and her use of many sound words
like 'honky-tonk-tonk-tonk' for a frog and
'rickety-clickety-rickety-clickety-chooo-oooo'
for a train as they 'flomp, flomp, scratch, scratch' along to the sea
make for
a lively read aloud session. Short descriptive sentences and repetition
will
aid the beginning reader.
Emma Quay's illustrations are gorgeous. Beautiful blues,
yellows and greens bring alive the countryside and the ocean. The
personalities
of Bear and Chook are quite distinct and the changing expressions of
fear and
joy on their faces is captivating. I was left with a lovely
warm feeling about the power of friendship as I looked at the
illustrations of
Chook lolling against Bear as they watch the moon.
Themes of friendship, adventure and a seaside trip as well
as the memorable illustrations will ensure that this becomes a
favourite with
classes and individuals alike.
Pat Pledger