Gymnastica Fantastica by Briony Stewart

 

The show is beginning. The little girl has her audience (her dog) and her performance outfit (star top and shorts). She also has her rainbow hoops and long rainbow ribbon. Oh and lots of things to climb and bounce on. 

"Razzley-dazzley, ribbons twirls. wriggly rainbows in circles and swirls, whizzy and dizzy and - whoops now I'm landing onto the wall (they call it 'handstanding')."

The book abounds in exuberant energy and the happiness of this young performer is sure to make you smile a huge smile. I love the ribbon filled end papers, the patience of the shaggy dog and most of all the page where she tumbles through the rings and makes a perfect landing - I can hear the crowd clapping!

The language in this book is perfect. Quick come and see has a powerful immediacy about it - you just HAVE to turn the page. Here are a few phrases:

• bouncing, cat-pouncing, right up to the moon
• loops with some hoops
• backward roll, forward roll, sausage roll too
• I can twizzle and twist

This book has been shortlisted by the CBCA in the Early Childhood picture book category.

Here are the judges' comments: An enticing invitation opens this vibrant picture book, as a vivacious young child confidently demonstrates their gymnastic prowess, bouncing, cartwheeling and flipping their way across the pages. Their dog, a silent but invested observer throughout, provides a lovely contrast. This book conveys so much energy and life which children will connect with immediately. The young child’s voice permeates the tight, joyful rhyming text which includes a rich assortment of verbs, nouns and adjectives. Pencil, ink, crayon, gouache, and digital illustrations are filled with zoom in action and movement matching the equally energetic text. The endpapers are perfect bookends, as twirling ribbons, held in the child’s left at the start and right hand at the end, appear to capture the story. 

The rhyming text and boisterous, colourful imagery help to express the enthusiasm and liveliness of any child as new abilities emerge. This is a joy to read. It will remind adults of when they were young and excitable, and shows kids that it can be fun to try new skills, and that it is okay if it doesn’t work out the first time round. Perfect for ages 3+. Readings Melbourne

I previously mentioned this book in a post about Briony Stewart. Here is her website.  My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a terrific Pinterest collection of books that celebrate dance.