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Found in Melbourne
There is so much to do in marvelous Melbourne—places to see and new friends to meet. Found in Melbourne is a counting book, a story of friendship, and so much more. Whether you live in Melbourne, are planning your first visit, or are just curious—what will you find in this vibrant city?
- GenresPicture Books
36 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2018
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 8, 2018
I live in Melbourne. I love Melbourne. Hence you can just imagine how excited I was when I saw this book. Naturally, I had extremely high expectation for this book, hence that explains my disappointment when I read it. Don't get my wrong, I like it. The illustrations are meticulous with details, the book covers some most amazing landmarks of Melbourne, and completes with useful information about the places. It is a good book for kids and adults to learn more about Melbourne as a city.
However, this is a "counting book", and the way the illustrations were painted does not make this an easy counting book at all. "Three trams moving along in a line on Princes Bridge", but it is not so easy to spot the three trams right away, as they sort of blended into the green landscape (with one tram being "broken up" in the middle of the double-spread page). "Five hands touch the huge Waterwall", it took me a while to realize not all of the 4 kids have their hands on the wall, and hence the total number of "5". "Twelve fancy cakes all ready for High Tea", I needed to count them a few times before I got the right number of cakes.
Having said that, this is a great book that captures many beautiful and significant places in Melbourne, and is highly recommended for anyone who loves Melbourne or eager to learn more about the city. The butterflies house in the zoo is exactly as portrayed, full of colourful butterflies fluttering around amidst the greens and plants. The picture of Hoptoun Tea Room is instantly recognizable, and the vinegar skipping girl at the front page is so nostalgic it will definitely bring all Melbournians a smile. I love how the illustrator paid great attention to the small details, from the facade design of Queen Victoria Market, the clocks of Flinders Street Station, to the unique architecture of Federation Square and its 1000 triangles.
I like this book, but it really shouldn't call itself a counting book. 23-month old little-AJ is fine looking at the book, but I don't think he is interested in the illustrations much (probably because of the soft colours).
Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
However, this is a "counting book", and the way the illustrations were painted does not make this an easy counting book at all. "Three trams moving along in a line on Princes Bridge", but it is not so easy to spot the three trams right away, as they sort of blended into the green landscape (with one tram being "broken up" in the middle of the double-spread page). "Five hands touch the huge Waterwall", it took me a while to realize not all of the 4 kids have their hands on the wall, and hence the total number of "5". "Twelve fancy cakes all ready for High Tea", I needed to count them a few times before I got the right number of cakes.
Having said that, this is a great book that captures many beautiful and significant places in Melbourne, and is highly recommended for anyone who loves Melbourne or eager to learn more about the city. The butterflies house in the zoo is exactly as portrayed, full of colourful butterflies fluttering around amidst the greens and plants. The picture of Hoptoun Tea Room is instantly recognizable, and the vinegar skipping girl at the front page is so nostalgic it will definitely bring all Melbournians a smile. I love how the illustrator paid great attention to the small details, from the facade design of Queen Victoria Market, the clocks of Flinders Street Station, to the unique architecture of Federation Square and its 1000 triangles.
I like this book, but it really shouldn't call itself a counting book. 23-month old little-AJ is fine looking at the book, but I don't think he is interested in the illustrations much (probably because of the soft colours).
Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
May 4, 2018
This is a really interesting concept for a book and I can’t believe it hasn’t been done before. I’m really glad we reviewed it on air (ABC Central Vic Local Radio with Jo Printz) because Bendigo is the spiritual home of Chinese people in Australia due to the links from the time of the Gold rush in the 1850s.
This is a beautifully produced book - and a perfect example of why Australian literature for young people is needed - there is so much detail about Melbourne; its landmarks, cultural attractions, atmosphere. Each opening focuses on a specific aspect of Melbourne - and while the text dictates the scene, the illustration and design bring to life the details.
It’s a great example of what non-fiction/information books can do. There is so much life and energy in this book.
O’Callaghan’s text is clever; it scans well and includes enough that’s recognisable in Melbourne, without being too cliched. And Song’s illustrations - naive, watercolour pencil and collage works call the reader to wander through Melbourne and fall in love with this ‘liveable’ city.
This is a beautifully produced book - and a perfect example of why Australian literature for young people is needed - there is so much detail about Melbourne; its landmarks, cultural attractions, atmosphere. Each opening focuses on a specific aspect of Melbourne - and while the text dictates the scene, the illustration and design bring to life the details.
It’s a great example of what non-fiction/information books can do. There is so much life and energy in this book.
O’Callaghan’s text is clever; it scans well and includes enough that’s recognisable in Melbourne, without being too cliched. And Song’s illustrations - naive, watercolour pencil and collage works call the reader to wander through Melbourne and fall in love with this ‘liveable’ city.
September 3, 2022
Another sneaky work picture book. Really cute art style, but I enjoyed this more because it took you on a lovely stroll through iconic Melbourne places/buildings. I especially loved how it gave a brief history of each place mentioned at the very back - huge yes for child-friendly learning more about your home city
August 17, 2020
Found in Melbourne is a great story of what Melbourne is like. Loved it!
December 28, 2022
Gorgeous book about iconic places in Melbourne. This is for me a great reminder of all the beautiful places I visited while living in Melbourne 🐨
January 6, 2021
This would make a good book to read to children just before or after a visit to Melbourne.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews