by Jedda Robaard
Black Dog Books
This very simple text-light and illustration-easy book is a delight to read. Tom and Tilly is about the undertaking of Tom, the boy protagonist, and his teddy bear, Tilly, embarking on sailing the seas of their bath time adventure. With a lovely light feel, this is a beautifully constructed book, which any young child will love to read over and over and over again.The musicality in it's simply melody storyline is one many writers should take note of, for the enhancement of own writing styles. In fact, I think it is written so well, it leaves the reader or child consumer wanting more: more story, more adventures, more fun in the bath. This is the signature of a good book which has hit the mark!
An Australian author, Robaard, has used watercolour paints, pencil and recycled materials to create the superb illustrations for this book (as she does for many of her other books). I love the understated way she creates the scenes and the use of simple shadowing to create movement, as well as, stasis.
It's the kind of book that makes you feel happy in your tummy, and puts a smile on you face, from the sheer pleasure of reading a happy childhood adventure. I think I'll be buying this book for my friends babies this year.
