Searching for Cicadas
By (Author) Lesley Gibbes
Illustrated by Judy Watson
Walker Books Australia
Walker Books Australia
5th January 2022
Australia
Children
Non Fiction
Short-listed for CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Eve Pownall Award 2020 (Australia)
Paperback
32
Width 231mm, Height 251mm
179g
This lovely story about a child and their grandfather searching for cicadas is part of the award-winning narrative nonfiction Nature Storybooks series.
In the summertime, Grandpa and I go cicada-watching. We put our camping gear into my wagon and walk down to the local reserve. Last year we saw five Green Grocers, three Yellow Mondays and one Floury Baker. Can we find the rare Black Prince this year
This picture book brings together award winners Lesley Gibbes and Judy Watson to showcase the wonder and beauty of cicadas as well as highlight the common summer pastime of cicada-watching.
The illustrations rendered first in pencil, brush and ink, use a monotype technique before all is transferred to Photoshop for assemblage and colour. And the finished product is stunning. Readers will pore over the pages looking at the incredible detail included on each page, the depiction of Australian plants producing a chorus of wows amongst the children, while the detailed cicada will draw entreaties to go out and see them for themselves.
The relationship between grandpa and grandson is beautifully presented and the subtle layering of community gives an extra warm moment for the readers...Highly recommended
Do yourself and your kiddos a favour and seek this one in preparation for those long languid summer days and afternoon walks in the local park or bushland.
Highly recommended for readers from around 8 years upwards.
Lesley Gibbes grew up in Sydneys Northern Beaches and Wagga Wagga in country NSW. After completing a Bachelor of Education at the University of Sydney she embarked on a successful sixteen-year teaching career in Primary Education specialising in dance, drama, debating and public speaking. She is now a multiple-award-winning, internationally published author of books for children. Nature Storybooks: Searching For Cicadas (illustrated by Judy Watson) is her first book with Walker.
Judy Watson grew up in a house behind her fathers veterinary clinic, and spent all her holidays on a farm near the beach. When she was not reading or drawing, she could be found lying in the long grass watching bugs and birds. Judys first picture book won the Prime Ministers Literary Award for Childrens Fiction. She has illustrated over 20 books for children. She particularly enjoyed drawing Australian plants for Searching For Cicadas (written by Lesley Gibbes).