Silver Buttons by Bob Graham
A new Bob Graham picture book is always a delightful addition to children’s publishing. His gentle stories celebrate family and home and embrace the wider community and multiculturalism. Silver Buttons is no exception.
We have Jonathan at 9.59am on a Thursday morning ready to take his first step: his small, safe world about to become a little bit bigger. As he teeters and wobbles, in the space of a minute we see what’s happening around his neighbourhood. Babies are being born, bread is being bought, people are playing, and people are farewelled. While his sister Jodie draws the finishing touches to her picture, Jonathan puts all his effort and concentration into reaching her. One small step for mankind…!
There is so much to look at and ponder in this book, from the smallest detail to the marvellous double-page bird’s-eye views of the suburb and the city. So many different stories that are playing out concurrently and then back we go to see Jonathan focusing on his little balancing act.
After you’ve spent a while with a Bob Graham book, you feel the world is a more generous and likeable place. This is a lovely book for the whole family to share.