Mem Fox (text), Mike Austin (illus.), Nellie Belle. Scholastic Australia, 1 Jan 2016, 32pp., $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760274108
In this book, Mem Fox draws on all the skills that she has developed over the years to write for young children. Her language captures the natural rhythms of speech, incorporating rhyme and repetition while she also uses the security of the circular plot, as Nellie Belle, a little brown pup, leaves the safety of her teddy and her yard to explore the world, before returning home.
Aligned with this is the joyous, colourful artwork of Mike Austin who captures the character of Nellie Belle and all her emotions as she moves through her adventure with charm and whimsy. On each page he brings the words to life by integrating different sets of characters that all bring challenge and enjoyment to Nellie Belle’s experiences. All in all an ideal combination for the youngest of children.
Reviewed by Sue Clancy