Sher Rill Ng, Our Little Inventor, Allen & Unwin, April 2019, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760523565
When Little Nell invents a machine because the City needs it, Little Brother scoffs, saying it won’t work. The journey is long and when Nel reaches the Big City, things are worse than she expects. The city fathers refuse to make time for her ‘child’s toy’, but the receptionist continues to believe in her. On returning home, very down in the dumps, Nell builds a bigger and better version and tries again. She appeals to the crowd when those in power again reject her design. Success this time.
Many of the pages are wordless, encouraging the reader to create their own narrative. The illustrations have elements drawn from animated films and cartoons, but they are not caricatures. Perspectives vary, from wide open spaces to framed miniatures, from Nell’s viewpoint but also bird’s eye views. The reader can clearly see how Nell is feeling when her invention is rejected. For me, some of the illustrations are too dark in tone, but this fits with the theme of the world’s pollution. Details are not given about the invention, but the reader can see that it is designed around a living plant.
Though picture book format, it’s not a book written for very young readers, though the publishers recommend it for 4-8 year olds. The young will enjoy it however, especially when shared and discussed. Readers with an understanding of environmental pollution and how it can be improved will certainly enjoy the book. There are also themes of cultural diversity, changing other’s opinions, values of support and the concepts of invention. Teaching resources are available.
Recommended
Reviewed by Maureen Mann
