Erika Geraerts and Charl Laubscher (text), Gatsby (illus.), Me Too. Walker Books Australia, 1 Feb 2018, 40pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN: 9781925381900
This endearing picture book of friendship is gorgeous. An unnamed narrator hopes she will find someone to have adventures with, stay up late and talk, and also “someone who knows when to shhhhhhhhhhhh…”. The uncluttered, borderless pages show the two friends carrying out the events and actions. The illustrations show much more friendship through the placement and posture of the characters than the verbal text, a feature of a true picture book. The verbal text is sparse and well worked, engaging the reader immediately. The colours used in the mixed media illustrations combine old-fashioned pastels with contrasting vibrant and whimsical hues and patterns.
This is a picture book for all ages. While most people consider picture books the domain of younger readers, this would make a gorgeous gift for adults to give a dear friend. This book celebrates the most important thing anyone can have, friendship.
Reviewed by Liz Derouet
