We've Got Talent

This is a brightly coloured cartoon illustrated book about a school play. It’s rainbow coloured illustrations support the message about being ourselves and that it matters not what gender you are-you can still follow your own hopes and dreams, indeed should be able to.

The setting will be recognisable to children as it is a school but the characters are many and varied animals. Olivia is a white bunny and Sam is a rhino. They both go to Big City Primary and are very excited because they are going to audition for their school play about a princess and a knight.

Olivia and Sam are both going for the main parts and so they practise lots and when the big day comes one of them dances for the part of the princess and the other acts for the part of the knight. When the roles are announced Olivia and Sam find they have got the main parts but not the main parts that they wanted.

They start to rehearse and they are very frustrated. Olivia has to dance and doesn’t have anything to say at all and Sam has to speak and hates it. They come to a solution which I’m not going to spoil for you but suffice to say is it a good one and illustrates the vital point for everybody that we all have different skills and talents and they shouldn’t be blocked because they go against a stereotype.

The text is bold and well spaced out with enough to challenge but support new readers. Paula Bowles’ illustrations are joyous and colourful. The characters have great expressions and and they are great fun. This is a lovely one for the return to school as it would definitely contribute to well being and self confidence in these strange times.