Whinge. Complain. Bellyache. Grumble.
That pretty much sums up Will’s attitude. Until one night a hot air balloon
takes him away to Whingeville and the Whingeville citizens make Will their
king.
Award-winning author Coral Vass has
written an entertaining story with a strong message about the importance of
perspective. Vass has expertly employed rhythm and rhyme.
When I’m reading Whingeville
to my two-year-old and five-year-old, the words roll off the tongue, adding to
the dreamlike quality of the story.
The plot is familiar and the funny
complaints, we’ve all heard from kids, will keep parents amused: ‘This fish is
too fishy. These chips are too old.’
Bold and surreal, Aleksandra Szmidt’s
illustrations add richness to the story. Szmidt creates dreamy landscapes and
curious, quirky characters. The landscapes suggest a beautiful, magical place
to live but this is lost on the curious and quirky residents. The story ends on
a snuggled-up-tight, single-page spread. This together with the rhythmic prose,
make it a great bedtime story.
Whingeville reminds me of the plot of Where
the Wild Things Are which I am currently studying with my Year 1/2 class. I
will be able to use Whingeville as a comparison text.
A top read! No bellyaching here.
Title: Whingeville
Author: Coral Vass
Illustrator: Aleksandra Szmidt
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503961
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
