Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
Allen and Unwin have produced another book by the creative team behind CBCA Picture Book of the Year, Iceberg. This one is called Volcano. This hard covered 26x31cm, 31-page book tells the story of how the seabed changes as a volcano births a new mountain.
This book is the work of Claire Saxby a podiatrist who worked in community health while also writing for children. Her books usually fall into three main categories: our wonderful world, history and humour. In this production she is ably assisted by Illustrator and sometimes author of picture books, Jess Racklyeft.
It has been discovered that more volcanos erupt under water than exist on land and this book explores how this happens. The illustrations dominate the pages with the text being provided in no more than seven lines on a page. Because of the specific topic, the illustrations are dramatic with lots of red, yellow and black. The centre pages open out to reveal a panoramic view of the volcano as it breaks the surface of the ocean.
Most sentences are short and to the point, in white easy-to-read font. However, on the last page, which has a black background, the white font is of a different style and size and is not as easy to read. This text tells the reader about chemosynthesis, where chemicals create food energy, far beyond the reach of light in ecosystems around hydrothermal vents.
This publication is well presented with vibrant colours and brief but concise information about this natural phenomenon.
Volcano
(2025)
by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft
Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 978-1-76118-064-4
$24.99; 31pp