April Underhill

by Bob Graham

Walker Books. Australian, Picture Book. Hardcover RRP $29.99

April and Esme Underhill have a special task to perform. Grandma has rung April’s mobile phone and asked April to collect Daniel’s tooth. Younger sister Esme is keen to help.

April and Esme have never collected a tooth before. It’s a big responsibility but they’re very excited when mum and dad agree they can go. When Daniel stirs, a little advice from dad via a text message from mum, helps them convince Daniel he is having a wonderful dream.

It was a smile moment for me when April expresses surprise that human children think tooth fairies are magical creatures.

Bob Graham’s whimsical illustrations bring to life these tooth fairies who use mobile phones and send text messages. At the same time he weaves in the traditional story as mum reminisces of the time before the motorway when “foxes still chased hares on the hills and things were different back then.”

My favourite page is where April and Esme fly off into the night:

              “The wind took them and shook them, pushed them and pulled them.
              It shivered down Esme’s wings and rippled through the feathers of a passing owl.”

The Trouble with Dogs

by Bob Graham

Walker Books. Australian, Picture Book. Softcover, rrp $15.95 

Australian author and illustrator Bob Graham is an undisputed master of the picture book, winning numerous awards internationally and locally. The Trouble with Dogs is a sequel to the multi-award winning Let’s Get a Pup.

Brought home from the Rescue Centre, Dave the pup is full of fun. Too much sometimes. He runs, he barks and he chews holes in the tights of Kate’s school friends.

Dave was small and wild. He slipped and he slid, he leapt and he skittered. “Take-me-as-you-find-me, don’t-care Dave.”

The family make excuses for him but when his behaviour doesn’t improve and he steals a cupcake from a guest’s plate, Pup Breakers are called.
“David, here!” The Brigadier does not tolerate any puppy nonsense and after just one session, Dave has lost his sparkle, his crackle and his fizz.
How will the second lesson go and who will ultimately teach who?
There is nothing more endearing than a beautiful puppy book, one with a touching story and energetic illustrations. The Trouble With Dogs ticks all the boxes. Bob Graham’s illustrations are full of fun and frolicking. Dave is a dog every reader will want to hold close.