Who is Mrs Green?

Henry’s long drawn out explanation of how it was all Mrs Green’s fault that her mum shouted at Jennifer is recounted as the two young friends play with a hula-hoop. His words are an invitation to the reader to track down the various characters and to find other possible stories in the wonderfully detailed illustrations of hectic city life spread out in the quirky and intriguing perspectives on the right hand pages. The final spread reveals a small, enclosed courtyard that provided an oasis of calm for the pair to play in, away from the hustle and bustle outside. The perfect spot for a timely apology and an ice-cream cone from mum.

A picture book that could do much to help develop both visual literacy and the imagination. Just ‘how does Henry know what happened?’ one wonders.