Do you call your children funny, endearing names? I certainly do. I think it’s because there’s something intimate and warm about using special names that no one else does. It’s like a secret code of love between parent and child. Andrew Daddo has a special talent for spotting the things that most parents do, and turning it into something that parents and children can relate to. In the case of his latest book Cheeky Monkey that thing is way we use pet names. Using a variety of scenarios, Daddy presents parents and children interacting on wake up, at play, changing nappies, getting dressed, showering, brushing hair, feeding, and cuddling. 

Emma Quay’s illustrations in pencil and chalk pastel on a brown paper background work really well to convey the warmth and character of the relationships being depicted. The whole effect is both soft, and accessible – any family; a standard day; and tons of love. The large, hardcover format, and nice matt finished image make this an attractive and endearing book – great for gift giving. It’s a great book to read to your child before bed as you can incorporate your own funny names (“sweetpea”; “lulu”; “booboo” – I’m not giving away anymore of mine!) and end with your own cuddles, helping to invoke sweet dreams of care. 

Although it’s a little expensive (hopefully it will be released in softcover at a more reasonable price), Daddo and Quay’s latest book is a beauty, which children will enjoy listening to when very young, and reading as they get a little older. The text is simple and recognisable, and there’s a nice progression to it. The images are innovative and natural all at the same time. This is a book you’ll read and treasure for many years. 

About the reviewer: Magdalena Ball is the author of Sleep Before Evening, The Art of Assessment, and Quark Soup.

Names of babies have been in the news lately as we learn that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have named their daughter Sunday Rose (or ‘Sunday Roast’ as one commentator quipped, particularly apt when one remembers that ad for lamb roast of Kidman’s early career). But there are some names that we all use, like sleepy head and funny bunny, that are timeless. In this deceptively simple book by the team who gave us Good Night, Me we follow the early morning routine of a family in the most delightful way, in a story that would have currency in any country in the world.

The power of this story is the combination of the text and the warm snuggly pictures and it would have to be a bedtime read-aloud favourite. And if you were reading it you could slip in your own loving names so it becomes so personalised. Definitely one for me to share with my little daff-a-down-dilly when I babysit tomorrow night!!!

One of the best.

Reviewed by

Barbara Braxton

Teacher Librarian

COOMA NSW 2630

AUSTRALIA

Great read

xxxx