Found You! by Mardi Davies

Ford Street Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9781925000665 (hardcover). ISBN 9781925000672 (paperback)
(Ages 3-5) Recommended. Picture book. Found You! is a lively debut picture book written and illustrated by Mardi Davies a talented animator and graphic designer. Her creativity is evident in the bold use of primary colours, as she portrays the backyard world of young Florence Moon as she plays hide and seek with her blue dog Trevor.
Florence really wants Trevor to participate, but he is terrible at hiding, he's quickly found on top of the kennel and swinging in a pair of undies on the clothesline. Florence's call 'Found You!' resonates throughout the simple story. Each spread shows a wonderful new area of the backyard with great places to hide. Florence Moon's three chickens support her throughout, they are great companions. Halfway through the story Florence changes her thinking, she needs to hide and let Trevor find her. There is a delightful illustration to show her contemplating this idea as one of the hens with glasses sits and reads an aptly titled book Does your pet have separation anxiety?
The illustrations are humorous, Trevor joins Florence in the bubble bath, with closeups and action sequences there is much to explore. Mardi Davies has creatively utilised her animation skills to make this an exciting read aloud picture book, bringing back the simple fun of backyard play.
Rhyllis Bignell