Waiting for Chicken Smith (David Mackintosh, Little Hare)

The nameless narrator of this story has been coming to the same beach with his family for summer holidays for many years. He’s there this year with his sister and his dog Jelly. On previous summer holidays, he formed what he thinks is a lifelong friendship with Chicken Smith, so he’s looking forward to seeing his friend again this summer. Will Chicken Smith turn up this year and will their friendship continue for another summer? Will the narrator be able to give Chicken Smith the special shell he’s brought? The suspense builds as readers are taken on a journey around the beachside town, with the narrator remembering his previous summer holiday adventures with his friend. This simple but emotive story of friendship, memories and anticipation by UK-based, Australian-educated author and illustrator David Mackintosh will appeal to many readers, particularly those who have had the same experience during long, hot Australian summers. Mackintosh’s sketchy, mixed-media collage illustrations have a whimsical charm and give the impression that they have been drawn by the young narrator of the story during his summer holiday. It is recommended for readers aged six and up.

Margaret Hamilton is a former children’s book publisher. She is now proprietor of Pinerolo, the Children’s Book Cottage in Blackheath, NSW

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