Jordan Stephens (text), and Beth Suzanna (illustrator), The Missing Piece, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, August 2022, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781526618139
Soft warm colours, bold and pastel, swirl around and fill the pages of this gently life affirming picture book about finding happiness in unexpected places.
Sunny thinks that completing jigsaw puzzles is the only thing that can give her that ‘happy honeybee buzz.’ But when grandma gives her a one – thousand – piece puzzle to do she finds herself on a journey of discovery that requires both determination and courage but is also fun; taking her to not only new places but connecting her with new friends.
Jordan Stephens, performer, writer and mental health advocate gently draws the reader into The Missing Piece, through his wonderfully descriptive language that require the reader/young listener to use all their senses. Beth Suzanna’s warm, colourful, flowing illustrations beautifully wrap around the narrative and extend the text.
A terrific addition to the home library.
Highly recommended for ages 5+
Reviewed by Mem Capp
