Oxford University Press ISBN 9780192746399 £12.99
If you know Mancini’s Moon River it is impossible to read this as a text without drifting off into song yourself but that just makes for a more magical, shared experience. The book comes with a singalong CD so the tuneless amongst us have no excuse not to join in and a there is second version where the book is narrated, with page turning signals to help new readers. Tim Hopgood has managed to capture the magic and enchantment of this beautiful and well-known song. Lavish indigo and cobalt blue colours create a dreamlike state reflecting the river meandering through the text. The young, dreaming adventurers travel along, passing well known landmarks from around the world – it could well be my bucket list in picture form. I rate this book highly for parents, grandparents and anyone who wants to impart the spirit of love, adventure and imagination to children from 2-10 years. As Tim Hopgood says in his dedication it’s “for all the day-dreamers of this WORLD”.
Jane Macleod