The First Slodge

A new text from Jeanne Willis is always a cause for celebration and this pairing with new illustration talent Jenni Desmond could introduce her fabulous writing to a style-savvy audience. ‘Once upon a slime, there was a Slodge’. In fact, this is the first Slodge in the universe. Slodge enjoys having the world to herself; she sees the first thunder and the first sunrise, ‘Mine, all mine’. Slodge goes to sleep with her delicious fruit and is horrified to wake up and find it has been eaten by another. The other Slodge had thought they were the only one too and soon the two Slodges are fighting the first fight. The Slodges must work out how to share the world, and not just with each other!

Willis manages to capture huge ideas in impressively pared down texts that are always witty and warm. Desmond’s adorable illustrations are fresh and appealing. It is a gentle story that will capture the imagination and create conversation. A brilliant book, recommended for all!