Adelaide’s Secret World

Written and Illustrated by:   Elise Hurst

Ages : 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Allen and Unwin November 2015

Theme: Courage, change, and finding ones soul mate.

Opening Lines: Adelaide lived in a little old shop behind a soft red curtain. Once it had been a bustling place full of wonders.

Synopsis: (from back of book) Adelaide leads a quiet life in the midst of the city. At night she listens to the song of the stars, but during the day she watches over the others like her: the still ones, the quiet ones, those who dance and dream alone.

Little does Adelaide know that her secret world will soon be transformed into something unexpected and full of joy.

Why I like it: At first sight the beautiful, deep haunting cover illustration holds a stillness, deep thoughtful, inner feelings. One wonders what the rabbit is thinking or feeling. The pages inside reflect similar images with sweeping brushed oil strokes in deep hues. The articulate text sings across the page …. “the hum of the setting sun…” and … “the soft pure song of the evening star.” “The rain-soaked windows glittered like a jewellery box.” Doesn’t that sound gorgeous? Adelade an artist observes those around her and her surroundings creating a small world of her own. But there is something missing in her life. Until one day.

Elise has created a mysterious city inhabited by a rich cast of animal characters and humans, while her enchanting and superbly illustrated story celebrates creativity and friendship with courage and change. It almost has a sense of mystery.

Resources/Findings: I could find no direct resources for this book but here is Elise showing off her book before its release date in November last year, 2015…… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reBCES81XPU

http://www.elisehurst.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=130

Here is a little craft idea of making family and friends…   http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/family-string-puppets/

http://www.kinderart.com/multic/

A thought provoking activity for a class of students would be to draw a picture of how they see themselves in what they would be doing when they leave school … i.e. job     Maybe pair them up and get them to draw what the other’s profession would be, going from the information they are provided with.

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors