Carson Ellis, Du Iz Tak?, Walker Books Australia, 1 Oct 2016, 48pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN: 9781406368413
Watching a tiny shoot unfurling from the soil, two insects are puzzled. ‘Du iz tak?’ one asks. ‘Ma nazoot,’ replies the other. And so begins a visual story, accompanied by an entirely made up insect language, with the growth of the plant, the building of a tree-house (‘rup furt’), a visit from a ‘Booby Voobeck’, and the blooming of the ‘gladdenboot!’
Du Iz Tak is an incredible children’s book. My three-year-old daughter, who loves making up her own language, was immediately captivated by this book, and quickly memorised the text. The key to the brilliance of this book is the way that the meaning of each made-up word is so easily apparent, making it wonderfully accessible for children.
The illustrations are unique and simple while also portraying details that add interest to the story. Colour and space has been well utilised and there is a sense of fun as well as beauty in the insect world Ellis has created.
Du Iz Tak is my favourite children’s book of 2016. An original and creative book, it is perfectly designed for children aged three and older. It is fun to read and highly engaging for children and adults.
Reviewed by Rebecca Blakeney
