Following my previous post on our favourite books about chooks, I learnt about a brand new book by Australian author Diana Lawrenson, and illustrated by Dee Huxley.
Paraphernalia’s Present tells the story of Dottie Devine, who lives by herself, and never has any visitors. Nobody has time to even say hello. But she has a chook, called Paraphernalia, who is her great friend and companion. One day, Dottie and Paraphenalia’s normal routines are disturbed, which causes some unexpected and happy outcomes. It’s a lovely story about friendship of different kinds.
You can tell this book has been well-researched, as the author subtly weaves in factual details of chook behaviour, and there is a nice fact sheet included on the last page of the book. Dee Huxley’s pastel illustrations are expressive and expansive.
For Melbournians, the author is appearing this Saturday 12 April at 10.30am at Readings Hawthorn for a reading ‘with props and charm’. We’re going to try to get along.
Meanwhile, our Lottie (not to be confused with Dottie) is doing brilliantly. Her eye is almost completely healed, and one of the only things she needs to worry about now is Rowan, who has taken to squatting next to her with arms outstretched, demanding a ‘Ug!’
I have another one to add to your list of great chook books: ‘Fancy that’ by Pamela Allen. My 21 month old daughter loves all the ‘Took Took’ sounds I make as we read the book.