Blue Jelly and Strawberries Poems to Tickle Your Tastebuds

An intriguing title on an eye –catching cover, this would certainly encourage a young reader to pick up this book.  Nor would they be disappointed. As the subtitle suggests these are poems to tickle the tastebuds – or the interest. Of course one is not expected to like them all. Just as some snacks are tastier than others, so the poems here will find their own audience. There is plenty to attract from the opening poem Our Weekend crammed with created words that perfectly describe the activities of those days to the more thoughtful Best Tree Ever or Dreamer.  All are short and immediate ranging from simple quatrains or questions to longer stories but never more than a page of words. Beside these words are the illustrations from Kate Sheppard. Her firm outlines add character and a lively visual dimension to Attie Lime’s imagination; this is indeed a partnership. Here is a debut that promises well for the future.