Blue Flower: CBCA shortlisted picture book 2022
Sonya Hartnett, Gabriel Evans

Blue Flower: CBCA shortlisted picture book 2022
Sonya Hartnett, Gabriel Evans
Review
by Tye Cattanach
A new book from Sonya Hartnett is always something to anticipate. Blue Flower is her first picture book since 2014 and this magical offering introduces readers to a sweet little character – and their adorably fluffy cat Piccolo – lamenting that they do not want to go to school.
Attending school is intimidating for this little introvert; navigating the landscape doesn’t come as effortlessly to them as it seems to for others. All the other students are far more confident and comfortable than our little character, who accepts that though they do not love being at school, there are some things to look forward to and be grateful for. For instance, art class and the smell of doughnuts at the tuckshop. Our little character is far more at home in the outdoors, observing nature and thinking about the big questions in life. They are different and ‘being different isn’t easy, until you decide it’s a good thing to be’.
As the first ever Australian recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2008, Hartnett is a superbly lyrical writer and when she bends her considerable talent to picture books the effect is especially delightful. Her unique style makes for a euphonious read-aloud experience, giving Blue Flower a mellifluent feel. Gabriel Evans does a masterful job of supporting this feeling with his whimsical illustrations and soft muted palette.
Blue Flower is a gift to those children who feel different: the quiet, thoughtful children who yearn to understand themselves and the world around them, and chafe against the established structures of a daily school routine. It is a magical accomplishment from one of our finest writers, and highly recommended for ages 4+.
Tye Cattanach works as a bookseller at Readings Kids.
This item is in-stock and will ship in 2-3 business days
Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.

Blue Flower: CBCA shortlisted picture book 2022
A gentle exploration of a child's realisation that it is her individual differences and creativity that make her special, with stunning illustrations by Gabriel Evans that delicately and sensitively convey the child's emotional...
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Boy and the Elephant
The powerful new picture book from Greenaway Medallist and seven-time CBCA winner, Freya Blackwood.
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Iceberg
In the final freeze of an Antarctic winter, green tails wave across a star-full sky, as if to farewell endless nights. If this world looks empty, look closer...
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Inheritance
A provocative call-to-arms to economic leaders to change course and better protect our planet and its people, presented in words and pictures by the multi-award-winning creator of The Island and The Mediterranean.
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Just One Bee
Just One Bee is a story of hope, determination and never giving up: the story of One-bee and her dream to revert desolate wastes back to fields of flowers.
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Stellarphant
A worthy and timely story about having the courage to follow your dreams and believing in yourself.
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Just One Bee
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

We Found a Cat
$17.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Stellarphant
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Mo and Crow
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Katha Chest
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Joe and the Stars
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Jacqueline: A Soldier’s Daughter
$34.95Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Inheritance
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...