Sep 20, 2009
Mannie and the Long Brave Day by Martine Murray and Sally Rippin
I wanted to like this book, I really do like the style of the drawings, they are done in a very expressive and beautiful style that I really enjoy looking at. But the words and the story are a bit dull and the story, language and rhythm seem disjointed I think that Henry (my 18 month old) will get to like it for it’s simplicity, but Liam (my three year old) has probably had enough of it.
Pictures The pictures are charcoal and watercolour and are incredible. Definitely the high-point of the book.
Story It has a certain repetitive style. I understand why it was written like that, but I just don’t like it.
Adults reaction Very mixed feelings. I wouldn’t mind leafing through the book showing Henry the pictures, but I am not looking forward to reading it again.
Kids reaction Liam got bored and didn’t really enjoy it, but Henry thought it was interesting to look through.
Overall I didn’t love it