What Newt Could Do for Turtle
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Cover Story
The cover of this issue is a design incorporating illustrations from four books illustrated by the subject of our Authorgraph, Ian Beck. The top left illustration is from Five Little Ducks (Orchard), the top right from Poppy and Pip's Picnic (to be published Autumn '97 by HarperCollins), the bottom left from The Owl and the Pussy-cat (Transworld) and the bottom right from Home Before Dark (to be published September '97 by Scholastic). Ian Beck's Picture Book (Hippo) is reviewed in this issue.
Beck talks to BfK's interviewer, Julia Eccleshare, also in this issue. His distinctive decorative style with its sensitive pen line and cross hatching has a nostalgic but sometimes also a surreal quality - he describes it as 'a look that is floating, strong and wistful all at the same time'.
Thanks to Orchard, HarperCollins, Transworld and Scholastic for their help in producing this composite cover.
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What Newt Could Do for Turtle
Illustrated by Louise Voce
Newt and Turtle are good friends and Turtle has often helped Newt out in a tight corner, pulling him out of the mud, saving him from snakes and alligators. Each time Newt wishes he could repay Turtle's kindness until, at last, he gets the chance to save Turtle's life and honour is satisfied. This is a lovely picture book, boldly and entertainingly illustrated in Louise Voice's cartoony, cheerful style and with a simple but lively text. Like all the great partnerships, Pooh and Piglet, Frog and Toad, Laurel and Hardy, the two heroes are interdependent in a relationship of mutual need and affection which is touching as well as funny. The kindly message could be summed up by paraphrasing Kennedy, 'ask not only what your friend can do for you, but also what you can do for your friend.' Good stuff for any young child.
