INF330 Professional Development Activity Assessment :: Young People's Book Awards

The blog post topic I will write today for my INF330 assessment is on 'Young People's Book Awards', and I have decided to write a book review for the professional development activity.  I have chosen 'The Runaway Hug by Nick Bland, winner of Early Childhood Book of the Year 2012 as per The Children's Book Council of Australia (2012).  These books are chosen by the Children's Book Council of Australia judges, 'who primarily consider literary merit, with the quality of illustrations also important in the EC (Early Childhood) category in particular. PB (Picture books) is different : the text and the illustrations must achieve artistic and literary unity' (The Children's Book Council of Australia, 2012).

I must admit I have been looking forward to this part of the INF330 assessment, as it means I can also read some children's literature in preparation for my little one due in August!

Image courtesy Scholastic Story

The Runaway Hug
Author:  Nick Bland
Illustrator:  Freya Blackwood
Published date:  July 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
ISBN:  9781865044057
Type:  Hardback


Nick Bland, author of award winning children's picture books A Monster Wrote Me a Letter and The Wrong Book, has written another classic for children.  The Runaway Hug tells the short tale of a young girl wanting a hug from her family while on her way to bed.  Mummy has given her the 'very last hug' she has, so she promises to give it back when she's finished giving everyone else a hug.

The story is short and sweet, with moments for giggles (twin boys saying 'no yuck' to a hug, but then giving in) and sadness (Annie the dog steals a hug).  The gorgeous illustrations by Freya Blackwood give movement to the book with almost rough draft-like sketches, and give an honest representation of family life (messy house, children fighting, unbrushed hair).  Perfect to read to children under 3 just before bedtime.


References:

The Children's Book Council of Australia. (2012).  Retrieved from http://cbca.org.au/awardsfaq.htm

Scholastic Store. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.scool.scholastic.com.au/store/Jadehttp.dll?Store&PrdId=7940311&H04=3