Tohby Riddle is an Australian cartoonist and picture-book creator. In 2005 he became editor of The School Magazine, in which his illustrations, non-fiction pieces and poems appear regularly. In 2009 he won the Patricia Wrightson Prize in the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards with Ursula Dubosarsky for their book The Word Spy.
From Winter, age 7: I really liked this book. Firstly, because stinkbugs are my second-favourite bug; and secondly, it was funny and I liked the speech bubbles.
From Sarah, age 33: I liked this book too. It has a great message that suggests that certain behaviours or aspects of our lives might be unhelpful in some contexts, but have a reason for exisiting and are helpful in others. This is a complex idea that requires critical thinking, and yet is demonstrated in a clever, aphoristic way through the story. Of course, that is probably not the element that will appeal to primary school children (unless they have a strong philosophical streak) but it really appealed to me!
This is a simple story that is perfect for young readers - the topic (bugs) is always a popular subject, the illustrations depict cute characters (I especially love the spider!), and the writing is concise (about one sentence per page) without being overly simplistic. The twist at the end is fun too.
A simple but effective story about a stinkbug whose stink causes problems with his friends...until they all realise how useful his stink can be when a charming spider wanders into their group.
Told with text, speech bubbles and humour.
Great for a 3+ audience and now shortlisted for this year's CBCA Early Childhood award
A (relatively) cute story about a stinkbug and the problems caused by his stink. I'm still a little uncomfortable that the message may be seen as "change who you are to fit in", but the kids enjoyed the story anyway.