First it was Mem Fox and now local author Phil Cummings is helping Prince William and Kate instill a love of reading in Prince George with his popular children’s books, Boom Bah! and Night Watch. The books which are beautifully illustrated with lots of action, fun, playful language and infectious rhythm were presented to the royal couple to commemorate their visit to the Playford Library in Elizabeth on Wednesday 23 April.
The writer of more than 60 books and Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador said while it was important to start reading to a child from birth, the Prince at nearly ten months old was at an age when he would find new language, sounds, images and descriptions, especially appealing. To celebrate Prince George’s birth in July last year, Australia sent a fluffy toy and a book by Mem Fox to Prince William and Kate.
Phil’s 2008 book Boom Bah! is a rollicking, rambunctious story full of noisy language and vigour that begins with a tiny mouse tapping a cup with a spoon and ends with a “boom bah” as an “orchestra” of animals joins in the fun with their own array of instruments. Boom Bah! is an Advertiser Little Big Book Club ‘page to stage’ winner and as a result was adapted to the stage by the Windmill Theatre Company.
Night Watch, which was released a year ago, features Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo and Baboon happily going about their own business, until one day Giraffe spies the shadow of Lion – prowling, creeping, stalking and sneaking. The animals gather together to come up with an ingenious plan to frighten the lion away.
Phil’s first book, Goodness Gracious! was released in 1989. He has received a number of honours and awards in Australia and overseas for his work, including the Carclew Fellowship at the Adelaide Festival of Arts in 1998 and numerous Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book honours.
Boom Bah! (ISBN 978 1 921504 08 2) and Night Watch (ISBN 978 1 921504 36 5) are published by Working Title Press and distributed by Penguin Group (Australia).