Grace has a very special relationship with Mr Milligan who lives next door. Mr Milligan owns a goat called Charlie and Grace loves spending time, especially on the weekend, with Mr Milligan and old Charlie. They go to the beach, they enjoy strawberries in the garden (with cream), and they eat grapes and apples. But Charlie is an old goat and one day he falls ill and sadly dies. On his final day Mr Milligan takes Charlie on a memory walk down to the beach, over to see Grace, and through the garden.
After Charlie dies, Mr Milligan withdraws into his house. Luckily Grace is a problem solver. Each day she visits her old friend and takes along a treat - strawberries, grapes and apples but nothing is working so she invites Mr Milligan to a picnic. They are able to talk about Charlie and reminisce about their time together but Mr Milligan still seems so sad until Grace runs inside and returns with a big bowl of whipped cream and Mr Milligan finally finds his smile. OH, and your young reading companion will smile over the possibilities of the final page.
"Cream makes all the difference ... and so do you."
Caz and Mr Milligan has been short listed for our CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) awards - Early Childhood Picture Book and New Illustrator. Here is an audio interview with Caz Goodwin and Reading with a Chance of Tacos [begin 12.25].
An ideal resource to use for explaining ageing, loss and grief, and how loving memories can be the most precious of all requisites in life. Kids' Book Review
There are several challenging themes for readers – death and dying, grief and loss — but Goodwin has introduced them empathetically and sensitively, leaving lots of room for discussion. The theme of friendship as an antidote to loss is portrayed throughout the book, strengthened by the love and happiness which Grace has shared with Mr Milligan. Reading Time
Judges critique Early Childhood: This gentle, beautifully told story explores themes of friendship, loss, grief and healing. The carefully crafted text reveals genuine friendship between the two main characters, their shared joys and their love for constant companion, Charlie, the goat. There is use of repeated phrases, humour, alliteration and rich, descriptive language. The narrative transitions sensitively, allowing readers to realise the passing of Charlie in their own time. A gentle pace offers opportunities to pause and reflect, whilst the use of the progression of the days of the week effectively conveys the passing of time. The pairing of the text and dynamic, sensitive illustrations is faultless and deftly edited throughout. The final double spread is wordless, depicting the cycle of life.
Caz Goodwin has written seven books including these:
Judges Critique New Illustrator: Pip Kruger is an accomplished freelance illustrator who lives on the coast of South Australia. She employs a lovely, folksy style that beautifully captures the essence of whimsy and love in this book. The cleverly executed endpapers hint at the importance and value of memories. Colour, framing and a variety of shot types and angles are executed in a highly engaging way and the characters’ emotions and personality are shown beautifully through gesture, body language and the inclusion of unique details. The illustrations are colourful, joyful and lively and sensitively depict the grief and joy in the story and provide substance to the relationship of Grace, Mr Milligan and his ageing goat, Charlie.
Companion books:
Pip Kruger is a freelance Illustrator. She lives in a small seaside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, with her husband and two daughters. Since completing a Master of Design in 2012, she has created graphics for international children’s and lifestyle brands, illustrated for local and state government agencies and magazines, designed logos and branding packages, and developed a line of illustration-based greeting cards, prints and textiles. Pip's work incorporates hand-drawn elements with digital collage, fabric patterns and textured decoration. She celebrates the personal touch and appreciates imperfections and freehand lines that bring warmth and charm to her unique illustration style. From the publisher page
1 comment:
And the friendship between Wilfred Gordon and Miss Nancy?
Post a Comment