Frané Lessac

The young narrator of this vibrantly illustrated picture-book describes how he returns to the island where he was raised for a visit, bringing along his friend Lucca. Together the two children explore the beautiful world around them, from the ocean to the forest, and also enjoy the delights of the society there. They visit the narrator's old school for a day, stop by the market, and attend a wedding. When it is finally time to leave, they are sorry to go, and vow to come again show more soon...

American artist and illustrator Frané Lessac, who currently lives in Western Australia, spent a number of years living on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where she attempted to capture, in her painting, the beauty of the people and places around her. My Little Island collects this work, pairing it with an engaging narrative about visiting the island. Each two page spread features text on the left-hand page, and a painting, identified by name in tiny print, on the right-hand one. Although this is a case where the artwork came first, the text here is well-matched with the visuals, and the result is a lovely little picture-book. It was included in the Reading Rainbow television program in 1985, and it's not difficult to see why. Recommended to Frané Lessac fans, and to anyone searching for children's stories set in the Caribbean in general, or on Montserrat specifically. show less

With vibrant, folk-art-inspired illustrations, My Little Island is a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture and life. The story follows a boy who returns to his island home after moving away, this time bringing his friend, Lucca along. It offers a colorful snapshot of daily activities, fishing, dancing, market trips, and Carnival, while highlighting the warmth of community and the beauty of nature. Lessac’s vivid artwork invite readers into a sensory-rich experience.

Oh Baby!

Welcome to the world of baby animals, Australian style! A variety of baby animals that live in Australia are shown along with the names they are called Down Under. Did you know some babies there are called joeys? You may have heard that name for baby kangaroos, but it is also what baby wombats and koalas are called—to name a few.

Depending on the animal, babies go by a variety of names: flying fox babies are called pups, while baby sea dragons are called fry. Human babies and show more children adore baby animals, and this book will give them lots to like.

Little ones will enjoy the adorable, brightly colored illustrations, which are done by the author. The fact that these babies that are being covered with motherly love—and in some cases, fatherly love—make them even more charming!

Over-sized and hard-backed, this five-star, picture book will be enjoyed by children through toddler age.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Australian Baby Animals, for the purpose of review. show less

I don't think Frane Lessac ever went to art college; the charms of her paintings are of the lack of perspective and the fabulous, but very Caribbean, colours. She lived on Montserrat for a while and caught the rhythm of the life and the delightful, neat little wooden buildings. I used to go there quite a lot before the Soufriere Hills volcano covered a lot of the island in dust. Its all concrete now; no-one rebuilds the little wooden houses with red hip roofs.