Gary Crew

Naomi Turvey

Ford Street Publishing

ISBN 9781925000177

RRP $29.95

Suitable for ages 9 +

Published April 2014

Reviewer Megan Stuart

This is a wonderful example of a picture book that has a lot to offer older readers. Unfortunately many adolescents avoid picture books because they associate the genre with younger readers. The Cuckoo’s themes include bullying, survival, courage, determination, remorse and forgiveness. Set in the Blue Mountains there is a fairy tale quality and the illustrations by Naomi Turvey reflect this.

An excellent book which reminds us why author, Dr Gary Crew, is recognised as one of Australia’s best young adult authors. He has won the Australian Children’s Book of the Year four times; twice for his novels, twice for his illustrated books.

The mythical quality of this story and its illustrations leaves plenty of avenues open for discussion.