'An Ordinary Day' & 'Henry Hoey Hobson'

'An Ordinary Day' by Libby Gleeson (illustrations by Armin Greder)

This picture book uses a number of different narrative techniques. There are two pieces of text going on, the first is written in third person, the second by Jack, who is the main character. He makes little comments throughout the first few pages. Then the words stop and it is all illustrations. Colour is introduced into the pictures as Jack's imagination comes to life. The way Gleeson is able to portray the thoughts and imagination of a boy is really special.



'Henry Hoey Hobson' by Christine Bongers

Within the first 5 pages, this novel had me laughing out loud as I was introduced to Henry's awkward early teenage life. The narrative is in the first person, from Henry's point of view and Bongers sets up his character in such a way that you can really feel his embarrassment and his awkwardness. The story is based in suburban Australia and Bongers is able to develop the mini-world through Henry's environment and social life, for example, the time he spends at the local swimming pool. A very funny novel that took me back to those less than coordinated early teenage years.