Bob Graham, Jigsaw: A Puzzle in the Post, Walker Books Australia, July 2022, 40 pp., RRP $27.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781529503319
Surely the powers that be are considering Bob Graham as the next Australian Children’s Laureate. With a long and decorated career, he is still producing books with characters who are relatable, illustrations that are instantly recognisable, and stories with real staying power in what is a star-studded field.
Jigsaw: A Puzzle in the Post has all that we have come to expect from Bob Graham’s books. A family, who appears neither remarkable nor noteworthy, receive a jigsaw puzzle from an unknown sender. They set about working together to complete the puzzle in Autumn. But early on in the process readers are made aware of the futility of the operation: one piece is unknowingly disposed of.
After months of diligence, it becomes obvious that a piece is missing, and so this determined group go in search. Their puzzling skills make them ideal candidates for patiently wading through the fascinating detritus which ends up at the tip, but it is actually serendipity that saves the day.
I really like how Bob Graham leaves some things unsaid or unknown, for both characters and readers. By writing in unknowns, it allows the reader to ponder and wonder about the possibilities and likely generate speculative discussions about the story. It might also feed the magical notion of coincidences, chance encounters and serendipitous events in readers’ own lives.
Another solid contribution to Australian children’s literature and an asset to a home, school or public library. But what else would you expect from the potential future Laureate?
Reviewed by Cherie Bell
