Sharon Greenaway

My Green Day book review

MyGreen Day. Melanie Walsh. ISBN 9781406330014, (2010)paperback, (thick card) $17.95, Walker Books.

MyGreen Day is a simple step by step introduction to howchildren can not only be environmentally aware but also be proactive in theirchoices.

The book is toldfrom the perspective of a young girl as she goes about her daily routine from breakfastto bedtime choosing ten green things…[she] can do today.

From eating eggsthat have been laid by free range hensto hanging out washing on the line to dry rather than using a tumble-dryer [that is] more energy intensive than any otherhousehold appliance, to making deliciousmuffins for tea with her dad, the steps are simple and with the help ofother family members easily achieved.

Interspersed withthe child’s recount of her day are snippets of information that would be ofinterest to an older child or the parent/guardian who would be reading the bookwith their own child.

The design of thebook is sturdily constructed so that a child can turn the pages many times inorder to check what he/she can do to have a greenday. The choice of bold chunky colours as well as interesting cut out pagesgive the book more interest. I particularly liked the four page spread thatincluded the child’s own cookbook: it gives a sense of ownership of doing theright thing for the environment rather than making the book a didactic read.

Sharon Greenaway.

Queenie. One Elephant’s Story.

Queenie:One Elephant’s Story. Corinne Fenton, ill. Peter Gouldthorpe. ISBN 9781742032153(2012) paperback, $16.95, Walker Books.

This book (reprinted from the 2006 edition) is based on the real life story of an elephantwho was born in India toward the very end of the 19^th century, wascaught when… the hunters found herand shipped to Australia to live her days in theMelbourne zoo. At the zoo Queenie, as the young elephant was named, begins herlife taking visitors on rides aboard her huge back around the pathways of thezoo.

Queenie even tookpart in a procession in the main streets of Melbourne in 1934.

Fenton tells Queenie’s story compassionately and withoutjudgement, as she explains:

“Four and a half yearsearlier I had come across Queenie quite by accident while I was researching foranother book. I remember the exactmoment and the feeling it gave me – both an overwhelming sadness and a determination that I would make sure she wouldalways be remembered by writing her story as a children’s picture book. Myquest was to introduce Queenie to a new generation of children and to stir thememories of all those older people who were privileged to have ridden in ahowdah on her back in the days when zoos’ the world over, offered elephantrides.”

The story is beautifully recreatedin the sepia-coloured-inspired illustrations by Peter Gouldthorpe.

And yes there was tear in my eye atthe end of the tale.

Recommended for all ages!

Sharon Greenaway.