There's nothing quite so wonderful as a memory of a book well read in childhood. The magic of enchanted lands and magical far off adventures. Sometimes the magical adventures are not so far off, but part of our own land and culture.
Ten Blue Wrens and what alot of wattle.
There are books that are unique in their story, making them slightly different from the usual books that are there for children. Yet it is their excellent quality, their colourful and brilliant illustrations that can transport you to the land of imagination.
9 red gum leaves
Ten Blue Wrens and What a lot of Wattle is quintessentially Australian. It is a magical Australian counting book that is there to help you and your child count and it is designed around the Australian identity. All aspects of what is Australian seem to be covered; it encompasses aboriginal culture, red gum trees, meat pies, pavlovas and lamingtons. A lifesaving nipper is in there too. There is the Sydney Harbour Bridge fireworks as well as magpies and of course 10 little wrens and the billion and trillions of stars in the sky.
What alot of Wattle.
If your not already half asleep dreaming of kangaroos, kelpies and being a nipper running across the beach before heading to Sydney to see the fireworks before looking up to see all the stars in the sky, then you haven't paid full attention. Yet by morning, you may wake to hear the sound of birds singing and think of all the dreams that have begun just from one book read before bed.
This book is not just for those learning how to count. It makes a enchanting present for anyone wanting a piece of Australiana, that is both fun, colourful and enjoyable to flick through. If ever you wish to share what it means to be Australian, this little book, filled with beautifully crafted artistic pages, is an ideal gift. Great to give to someone as a baby present. I think it is one of those books that will be cherished for a lifetime or more.
A pie.
Elizabeth Honey has created both the counting text and the illustrations. The illustrations, being of plastic paper stencils and acrylic according to the publishers notes.
Published by Allen and Unwin, and available all good bookstores.
