Good Morning, My Deer! (Mel Amon, illus Sophie Beer, Scribble)

Hare or hair, pear or pair, son or sun—abounds in a glorious new picture book from author Mel Amon, illustrated by national treasure Sophie Beer. Good Morning, My Deer! is a celebration of homophones: two words that sound the same but mean very different things. Banjo and his mum have a busy day ahead of them; they’re on the hunt for a fur tree to decorate for Christmas, are hoping to pick a bouquet of beautiful flours from the garden, and Banjo’s ready to tackle some bear-back horse riding. But first, breakfast; plane toast, anyone? For kids aged 3+ who love a bit of nonsense, those just starting to learn to read, and those with an appreciation for the absurdities of the English language, this debut picture book offers plenty to look at and discuss. Amon’s straightforward text turns an ordinary day into something quite extraordinary, and Beer’s bright and instantly recognisable illustrations are the perfect companion. Older children and grown-ups alike will enjoy hunting for easter eggs in the pages (not all the homophones are in the text), and there’s a deep sense of satisfaction when you correctly identify pie/pi, beats/beets, or jeans/genes.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Lian Hingee is the digital marketing manager at Readings. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews