Where Are You, Blue Kangaroo?

Blue Kangaroo keeps getting left in unusual places by Lily in this second book about the pair, but is safely restored to her one way or another. At last he takes matters into his own paws and (rather too subtly for me) shows Lily that a pouch for her to carry him in might be a good idea. Chichester Clark's familiar palette of pinks, yellows and clear turquoisey blues is used - along with her trademark wide-brimmed hat. The scale is bigger than her usual one here - perhaps for the younger audience - thus much of her characteristic delicacy and quirkiness is lost. Faces in particular have suffered, though there are some beautifully-observed expressions and gestures, and many children will respond to this gently moral tale.