A little boy sits on the floor, gazing at his baby brother in the cot. Crown on his head, cape draped, sword and dog by his side. A spare crown waits nearby. But his brother only sleeps and drinks milk. Mama says he must wait until his brother is older.
He dreams of all they will do together: riding bikes through the jungle, dodging snakes in the trees; hiding in caves while bats send them secret messages; building sandcastles from driftwood; and shells on the beach. They’ll read books by starlight about dragons as the waves lull them to sleep. When they’re older, they’ll sail a wooden boat across the ocean, spotting whales spouting fountains and bears fishing by icebergs. They’ll pitch a tent on the ice, light a fire, and share stories under the stars.
This beautiful, richly illustrated book is simply a perfect ode to childhood dreams and imagination and the joy of the bond between brothers. A great book to share for anyone with a new little boy, arrived or on the way.
A perfect intertwining of words and imagery.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 4+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie Laguna many books for young people have been published in the US, the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia. She has been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Awards, and twice been awarded Honour Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). She is also a highly acclaimed author for adults. Sofie lives in Melbourne with her husband, illustrator Marc McBride, and their two young sons.
Judy Watson works with a combination of digital and traditional methods to make art that explores colour, light and our connection with nature. She has won a Prime Minister’s Literary Award, been selected for the International Youth Library’s White Ravens catalogue, and been shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award.
Judy is married with two teenage children, a three-legged dog, several chickens and a changing array of foster cats. She lives and works in Frankston South.
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