On the bookshelf

Press, 2 October 1979, Page 16

On the bookshelf

Tiger Flower; by Robert Vavra. published first in 1968, by Collins. The fifth printing appeared in 1976. Three famous people helped to make this book. The preface was written by Yehudi Menuhin, one of the greatest violinists of our time. The illustrations were taken from paintings by Fleur Cowles, an artist of world renown, and the story in verse form was written by the American writer and photographer, Robert Vavra, who lives in Spain.

The story was created from the paintings. It is a fantasy of the natural world where “everything is turned around, and nothing is the way it should be. or once was.”

Tiger Flower is the king of the grass with a flower in his mouth. The mushrooms are as tall as trees, and the butterflies, no longer small, use their wings to sail boats. The story was written the other way round, as well, because it started with the pictures. This is a book to study

closely, for the imaginative beauty of the paintings, and for the message in the wondering fantasy of the author’s writing. It may be that fear begins in our minds and spreads to the things we see. But the meaning you take from the verse will be the right one — for you.

Hunter and his Dog: written and illustrated by Brian Wildsmith. Published in 1979 by Oxford Universi tv Press.

This is a story about a clever hunting dog who used his skill to save the wounded ducks he was supposed to retrieve for his master. The dog made a sanctuary for the ducks amongst the tall grasses on a small island, and every night he would take bread from the hunter’s kitchen to feed them. Y’ou will have to read the story to find out what happened when the hunter discovered the secret hiding place. Brian Wildsmith’s illustrations make a perfect background for a story that will appeal to all ages.

It is easy reading with a high interest value. Sally-Ann’s Skateboard; by Petronella Breinburg, illustrated by Ossie Murray. Published by the Bodley Head, 1979. ' This book is all in colour, from vivid animated illustrations to somewhat lighter print areas. This is the authoress’s third “Sally-Ann” book. Tn the story Sally-Ann’s delight in her long-awaited fibreglass skateboard nearly ends in a road accident — but not quite. Exciting reading for eight to 10-year-olds. The Enormous Crocodile: by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake. Published by Jonathan Cape, Ltd, 1978. A story about a nasty greedy crocodile that shocked the jungle animals because he liked to eat. little children. Although he was so fearsome, he was slow on his short legs and feet; and, warned by the other jungle animals, the quick-silvery children always got away.

Quite amusing reading for 10-year-olds.