Imagine

It’s always a joy to open a newly published book by this accomplished author/illustrator, and this is a book to which a child… and adult reader… will happily return time and again. Brown’s rich colour palette introduces readers to a child tucked up in bed, cat for company, both sleepily gazing out of the window. The sky, still a deep blue, is dotted with clouds resembling sheep. ‘Imagine, when you’re half asleep, those big white clouds look just like sheep…’ Just imagine… turn the page and brilliant, jewel-like colours fairly leap from the page, with skipping lamb, rabbits, a swooping swallow and a fading rainbow, in a richly painted spring meadow double spread. Next begins the rhyme, inspired in its simplicity. ‘Imagine slow, imagine fast, Imagine first, imagine last.’ These sparse words cover two double spreads, a slow tortoise being leapt over by an enormous, powerful hare, fox and gull holding the finishing tape on the following page. The illustration echoes the Aesop fable. Brown imagines round and flat, thin and fat, short and long, weak and strong, all hugely satisfying words to read aloud, rewardingly complemented by her sensitive yet humorous artwork. ‘Imagine dark, imagine light, and now it’s time to sleep. Goodnight!’ Just perfect for bedtime, or any time.