Dance, Bilby, Dance by Tricia Oktober
Published by Ford Street Publishing
Yet another magical celebration of Australian flora and fauna from Blue Mountains author Tricia Oktober, Dance, Bilby, Dance will delight readers of all ages. Conjuring up feelings of nostalgia for the works of Mem Fox and May Gibbs, this tale of a spritely bilby and his chance encounter with a bunyip, engages with its simplicity and beauty.
The hero of the tale, Bilby, finds himself in awe of all the things around him that seem to dance in nature. Even his shadow can dance and it takes on a life of its own, leading Bilby on an adventure in which he finds the most unlikely friendship with a creature of bush folklore; the scary bunyip.
Utilising the colours of the bush and uniquely Australian characters, this picture book will find a natural and well-worn place on the shelves of pre-schools and primary schools but would also be a welcome addition to any child’s private collection.
Standouts include Oktober’s vivid illustrations of the Min-min lights and prancing emus, along with the welcome return of an Aussie bush bogeyman I had thought was all but forgotten in modern culture.
A perfectly formed tale for early readers, capturing the wonders of the Australian bush and the magic of learning to dance, through striking and colourful imagery.
CKT Book Reviewer
Author/Illustrator: Tricia Oktober
Title: Dance, Bilby, Dance
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing
ISBN: 9781925272130
Published: 2016
Age: 4+
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