Tania McCartney, Plume, World Explorer, Hardie Grant Books, October 2021, 48 pp., RRP 424.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781741177664
Meet Plume, World Explorer. In McCartney’s own words Plume is a little bit different to all the other penguins. From his skydiving skills to his rocking jaunty ensembles, everything about this exploring penguin is bold, adventurous, and curious. You see, Plume loves to read and reading is his special ticket to travel the world and discover a world of rainbows with new friends in many places across the globe.
Aboard the Albatross Express, Plume discovers tea from China, crayons from the USA and lands in faraway places with curious sights and delights. His friend, Ava, is there with him on his adventures and can take-off whenever she likes (she is an albatross after all!)
We see the pair find silver ferns in the clouds in New Zealand, drink chocolate melted in cups in France and enjoy the kaleidoscope of colourful architecture in Cape Town. McCartney’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes and all the senses. Readers will delight at discovering the finer details in the fun and bold illustrations in each unique destination on Plume’s adventures.
Plume, World Explorer is a joyous and highly appealing read-a-loud picture book for young readers aged 4-7 years. With playful and worldly illustrations by McCartney, it is a book that can whisk readers to all corners of the globe and will no doubt ignite a lifelong love of non-fiction for early readers.
Reviewed by Lana Spasevski
