Anchored (Debra Tidball, illus by Arielle Li, EK Books)
A sensitive tale of connection near, far and across the waters, Anchored is a hopeful, heartwarming story demonstrating to young children that no matter the distance between them and a loved one, fondness always remains with a little tug on the heart. With a view of the harbour and consideration for separated families, Debra Tidball has penned this beautifully metaphorical, lyrical prose about a small tug boat navigating feelings of isolation and loneliness when Tug’s beloved (cargo) Ship periodically sails out to sea. During the repeated ‘pushing, pulling, prodding’ of tasks, Tug is reminded to stay afloat with Ship’s buoyant words, ‘You were in my heart. You made the sea glow brighter.’ The engaging, emotive language, including onomatopoeia and alliteration, together with the illustrated amiable, anthropomorphic vessels and soft aquatic and primary-coloured water-based shades cleverly connect with both strength and tenderness to signify a sense of courage and pride. There is a reassuring sentiment that even when we are apart, love is sustainable enough to remain anchored in each other’s hearts. Anchored, deep with heart and humming with energy, is also an empowering tale of reinforcing connections, near and far, with plenty of scope for literacy, science and humanities lessons for children in the primary years.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Romi Sharp is a picture book writer and digital marketer for children’s authors and publishers. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
