Egg

by Clare Atkins, Harrison Vial

A truly unique picture book about a newcomer arriving to an island inhabited by superstitious eggs.

When something strange washes up on the eggs’ island, they are scared. It looks like them. But different. What if it hatches? What if there are more of them?

Most of the eggs hope the newcomer will float back to where it came from, but one little egg is not afraid.

Can their friendship prove there is nothing to fear?

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 8, 2022

About the author

Atkins is an author, scriptwriter, script editor and produce. Born and raised in Sydney, she has also lived in Bathurst (for university), on a small Spanish island called La Gomera, and in Arnhem Land. She currently lives in Darwin.

She has also written for many successful Australian television dramas, including All Saints, Home & Away, Headland, Winners & Losers and Wonderland.

She has a teaching degree, and loves running workshops about scriptwriting and creative writing in general.

Reviews

[Olivia Kuyper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is ridiculously clever. To communicate so much through such sparse text is a a real skill and the fun, enticing illustrations complete the story perfectly. Great for word recognition and giving pre-literate children the confidence to read on their own. An egg-cellent read that children will enjoy over and over.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great! I love this. It's always the children that are more tolerant of others. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Laura Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

How poignant! The "Eggs" live in a land that is hot and bland, until a strange egg washes up on the beach. The eggs don't like the stranger, and build a wall to keep him out and themselves in, but one little egg isn't scared and becomes friends with the strange egg, who grows into a big tree that shades all the eggs.
A life lesson, that while many people don't like change, it's not all bad.
The texture on the cover is engaging, and the colours are beautiful.

Shortlisted for the Speech Therapy Australian Book of the Year Award ages 3-5

[SBC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful little story (with lovely artwork and interesting dialogue) about fear of the other. I picked it up from the library and I think my toddler was a bit baffled by it, but I really enjoyed it!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely book. Little egg is super cute.
🥚🪺

[Lei · Rating 5 out of 5]

very philosophical. 10/10.