Fergus Ferry
Author: John Williamson-Noble
Publisher: Snowball Press
Price: $9.95 each

Go Baby Go!, Hush Baby Hush, What's that Noise? and Where is Baby?
Author: Sally Rippin
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Price: $9.95 each

Reading for little people

There are thousands and thousands of books aimed at babies and toddlers - from classics like Possum Magic and Touch and Feel books, to the myriad of picture books you can find pretty much anywhere.

Two new Australian series are on high rotation in our house - a set of four board books by Sally Rippin, and stories from the Fergus the Ferry Series.

Little hands can be hard on books, so sturdy board books are the best thing for children under two. Rippin's set of simple, activity based poems - Go Baby Go!, Hush Baby Hush, What's that Noise? and Where is Baby? - are full of bright illustrations featuring babies doing things they'll recognise. The pictures not only offer babies of different genders and in different situations, they are also multicultural.

Each story is told through rhyme, with a simple steady rhythm and repetition of key phrases (the books' titles) helping to keep baby focussed on the page they are viewing without becoming bored while long sentences or dialogue are read out. Australian animals are also featured in the stories and illustrations, as well as common toys and activities babies will recognise. The thick pages are perfect for little fingers learning to turn pages on their own, and the compact square size means they can be thrown in a nappy bag or handbag for amusement on the go. These books have become a fast favourite with the littlest reader, and will be on our bookshelf for years to come.

Fergus Ferry is a new creation by local author John Williamson-Noble. Aimed at the kindy/prep age group, the stories are about a Sydney Harbour Ferry and his other marine-transport friends, similar to the personification of Thomas the Tank Engine and his rail buddies. Fergus gets into all manor of exciting adventures, from watching the fireworks over the harbour to saving passengers from a Manly ferry that catches fire. It's wonderful to be able to read about characters that are uniquely Australian, and be able to see the real vessels on the water when visiting the Harbour.

Most impressively for adults, the entire story (up to 20 pages) is written in rhyming prose - quite a feat! The poetic language introduces youngsters to some wider vocabulary than many other books for childres of that age, and also allows parents to fall into a rhythm when reading aloud, which keeps the pace going. Of course, you may get interrupted by a question about the wonderful pictures by Peter Townsend or an anecdote about a similar ferry/boating experience!

There are eleven Fergus Ferry stories available at the moment, and Scholastic have also created an interactive website about the books: www.fergusferry.com.

Belinda Yench

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