Illustration - Reviews
Two Peculiar Pelicans: A story Poem
I am a teacher of a year three class (age 7-8 years). I chose to read the children (30 of them) the story of 'Two Peculiar pelicans' as I myself found the illustrations break taking.
The children's responses were outstanding;
'It's beautiful - it's like the real thing' - age 7
'The colours are amazing miss' - age 8
One child had to get up to touch the book when he was talking about the sunset.
Truly a sensational book that evoked lots of conversation and dialogue.
It is now continually picked from the shelf, by the children to browse thru'.
Anne Harding Barnet, North London, England Oct 21 2003 (taken from www.amazon.com)
Two Peculiar Pelicans: A story Poem
A delightful story about a pair of pelicans who arrive too late at the sea gate to go fishing for their dinner. They are sent on their way by the officious dolphinfish, keeper of the Seagate, who can't understand why they would want to fly off to further reaches, away from his beloved sea.
A great introductory text for young readers, but the real high point is the illustrations, which are vibrant, exciting and filled with intricate detail of exotic wildlife. A treasure trove for children for all ages to explore, with lots of beautifully drawn detail rewarding closer inspection.
Deeper messages too, about a sense of belonging and the opposing call to adventure, to explore the big beautiful world beyond the limited horizons of one's own place.
For older children there is also excellent explanatory text, giving detailed factual information about the brown pelican and the dolphinfish, the two main characters in the book.
Maud. Dublin, Ireland Sept 19 2003 (taken from www.amazon.com)
Two peculiar pelicans: A story Poem
'Blondel's poetry is light and fluid, the perfect complement to Soodeen's riotously colourful computer assisted illustrations.'
Lisa Allen Agostini, Trinidad WI. Jan 21 2003 (taken from 'The Trinidad Guardian newspaper' online edition)
Go barefoot; The Scottish-Island Girl; Sally's Way.
'Artist Vanessa Soodeen is the books' illustrator and her colourful style is both eye catching and simple, using images that all children can relate to and understand.'
Joanne Johnson, Trinidad WI. Aug 6 2002 ( taken from 'The Trinidad Guardian' newspaper)