'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 11 October 2010

Review: Bed Tails

Prolific and talented author Meredith Costain must have had so much fun writing this book – which has been coupled most perfectly with illustrations by the inimitable Mitch Vane.


There are two in the bed. It’s mum and dad, snoring happily – when Finnegan appears, furrowing and burrowing under the covers. Then comes Pickering the spotted dog, keen for a snuggle, then Camelot the poodle then Mrs Cat the acrobat, carrying a rat!

Suddenly, there are NONE in the bed! (no surprise there!)

Then, as everyone calms down and pines for sleep, the bed refills again, just in time for morning to peek through the windows.

Costain uses gorgeous, galloping rhyme in this book to lend even more movement and drama to Vane’s vibrant, comical pictures – something she does so well. This is a wonderful book marriage that will please adults for its fun and rhythmic cadence, and will delight children for the visuals, the humour and the subtle references to nursery songs and rhymes.

And what of the rat? Well, you’ll just have to read the book and see.
Title: Bed Tails
Author: Meredith Costain
Illustrator: Mitch Vane
Publisher: Penguin, A$24.95RRP
Publication Date: 29/06/09
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780670073368
For ages: 2-7
Type: Picture Book
This book is available online