Rover
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover is from a stunning new picture book, Mary’s Secret by David McKee (Andersen Press, 0 86264 909 9, £9.99). An ecological fable about doing without cars, McKee’s story with its bright pictures full of well observed detail is set within Mary’s cheerful family and at her school. His bold, painterly illustrations use the page so confidently and dextrously that their quirky, decorative perspectives seem entirely natural. Thanks to Andersen Press for their help in producing this September cover.
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Rover
Illustrated by Neal Layton
Told in the first person, this witty picture book is a canine account of life with a pet human. ‘Rover’ as her owner calls her ‘has very weak claws. Her coat only covers her head.’ When they go to the park ‘she keeps losing the ball but I always bring it back for her.’ Having a pet human is a responsibility and when Rover wanders off down the beach leaving her parents distraught, it is her owner who has to fetch her. Layton’s wonderfully free scribbly pencil and bright wash illustrations are full of humorous, acutely observed touches that interact well with Rosen’s deadpan text. A background colour defines the contours of each single or double-page spread building momentum and moving the story pacily on. Children will love this clever, jokey book.
