Matt Formston: Surfing in the Dark (John Dickson, illus by Philip Bunting, Berbay)
People who are blind, who achieve incredible feats, are the linchpin of ‘Big Visions’, an exciting new nonfiction picture book series from Berbay Books and Vision Australia, aimed at 7–12-year-olds (as well as parents and educators). Matt Formston: Surfing in the dark, the first book in the series, shares a sensitive and precise narrative, expertly written by John Dickson. It follows professional parasurfer Matt from childhood, his anxieties about fitting in with his sporting team mates, and his relentless passion for surfing. The book (which features braille on each page) carries on through Matt’s triumphs as he becomes a man and ends with his career now, reflecting on all his accomplishments and how his vision impairment played such a large part in his dreams and life. Philip Bunting’s illustrations make the book an intriguing and interesting story, instead of pages of dry facts as is a risk with nonfiction picture books. Bunting and Dickson deliver a book vital for all children, whether they have vision impairments or not, to read and learn about Matt Formston and his accomplishments. Formston’s successes, and failures, can inspire and empower all people and this necessary and worthy book is the first in what is sure to become a groundbreaking and vital series for all ages.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is a Queensland-based book reviewer, writer, bookseller and reader. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
