Timeless (Kelly Canby, Fremantle Press)
A topical theme in these social media-obsessed days, Timeless tells the tale of Emit, a young boy whose parents are always too preoccupied to pay attention to him. Tired of the rush of modern life with no room for quality family moments, Emit tries his best to stop time. Upon realising time must be ‘made’, Emit and his parents enjoy appreciating the smaller moments in life. Kelly Canby pulls double duty as author and illustrator in this deftly poignant and timely picture book. Though the text is emotive and often whimsical, the use of superfluous words takes away from the illustrations, where Canby’s talent shines: her vibrant artwork is gorgeously rich, perfectly expressing the busyness of the characters with flurried and hurried brushstrokes. With fine details and subtle intricacies, the artwork enhances the story, in the way only illustrations can. Canby excels at maintaining momentum through Emit’s ploys to ‘catch time’ (because time flies) until the predictable yet effective story climax. The illustrations rise above the text, but they do so gloriously, and paint a delicately sensitive story for children aged five and up. Teachers and parents will appreciate the themes of family, quality time and community, which make Timeless ideal for all libraries and bookshelves at home.
Brenton Cullen is a Queensland-based bookseller, reviewer, and writer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
