'Being best friends is lots of fun...'

 

             A Children's Book Review      

Nemo and Giraffe, by Lee Hunter (illustrated by

                    Lindy Damen)

 

Everyone loves a tale of loyal friendship! Lee Hunter's

children's book, Nemo and Giraffe, encapsulates that

message.

 

Aimed at a young audience (I'd suggest the under 4s,)

the story tells of a cat, Nemo, and his friend, Giraffe,

who experience a house move and fun games together.

I feel the story is also about being able to tell your fears

to your friends: Nemo admits he is a 'scaredy cat' when

it comes to going outside! What I like about the tale is

the way children could relate to some of these feelings

and experiences.

 

I sat and read the book to my 2 month old baby (I'm not

a pushy-teacher-Mum, I promise! But the earlier the better, hey?!) and I can genuinely say she was very focussed on the pictures. Kudos to the illustrator, Lindy Damen (often my baby goes cross-eyed or frowns into space when she has to focus for too long, but she studied the pictures in this!) The images are apt for the target audience, with soft, smiley characters and clear colours.

 

This was a 5 to 10 minute read- ideal for little 'uns- with room to find discussion questions should the readers wish! If my bubba was older, I would've linked in with her about her friendships: what does a good buddy behave like? Does it matter if a friend looks different to you...or has different thoughts to you?

 

Lee's intention for the book is to teach children about friendship, equality, and care for animals, but I feel the characters' relationship is the predominant theme for children to latch on to. Nemo is based on the writer's own pet cat, who has to meet new 'friends' regularly because Lee works as a professional child minder.

 

Overall, this is a sweet read that prompts a child's sense of what it is to have a close companion to grow with, whether cat or giraffe; young or old; 'scaredy cat' or brave!

 

You can browse the website or find links to purchase the book at www.nemoandgiraffe.com

 

Review by Mum on an Island    www.moaiblog.wix.com/mum-on-an-island