Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
This hardcovered, 30x24cm, children’s picture book was produced as the result of a collaboration between children of Yalingbu Yirramboi – The Royal Children’s Hospital school – and two award-winning children’s authors, Alison Lester and Jane Godwin.
The book begins with a question, “If you could travel wherever you choose, to worlds imagined and new, where are the places that you’d like to go and what in the world would you do?” The rest of the pages in the book provides some answers.
Colourful mural-like children’s artwork dominates the pages with a sentence of text below each scene. These feature the ocean, jungle, a birthday celebration, sport’s land, a land of treats, space, stories- adventures, comics and poetry, a fiesta, the sparkling sky and the outback.
Inside the front and back covers can be found a double page spread of blue clouds filled with the names of children and golden stars on a white background.
Both children’s authors have been well recognised by their peers and the literary world for their contribution to children’s books. Alison Lester became Australia’s first Children’s Book Laureate in 2012 while Jane Godwin, in 2024, was awarded the Pixie O’Harris Award for her contribution to the children’s book industry. These are just a sample of the acknowledgements they have received for their work which encourages children to celebrate the differences that make them special.
This is another well presented book for children to enjoy.
Where Would You Go?
(2025)
by Alison Lester and Jane Godwin
in collaboration with children of Yalingbu Yirramboi
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:978-1761181573
$19.99; 28pp