Lazy Daisy, busy Lizzie by Mary Ellen Jordan
Ill. by Andrew Welden. Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74237 429
1. 20p
(Age Early Learning Centres and Junior Primary). Well recommended.
The colourful soft feel of the cover entices the young reader to
open the book and find endpapers revealing the daytime scene of a
normal farm. But all is not normal! The cow eats jelly, the
pig doesn't like mud, chicken Lizzie dances through the air, and
Frankie the dog sits in the armchair watching television while
eating cake and drinking tea. What an unusual group of animals! The
final night endpapers reveal all are peacefully sleeping which seems
to be the only usual activity they do. The paper has a smooth
tactile feel and with the cover is very pleasant, both on the eye
and to the touch. The clear illustrations are boldly painted in
water colours. This story could easily encourage young writers
to make up their own versions.
Sue Nosworthy