We Know a Place (Maxine Beneba Clarke, Lothian)
Award-winning and well-loved writer for all ages, Maxine Beneba Clarke, celebrates the magic of bookshops in her latest title for younger readers. We Know a Place is an illustrated tribute to those very special places where stories live and breathe, waiting for us to pick them up off the shelves and take them home. The two children in this picture book are lucky enough to visit their local bookshop every Saturday after they complete their chores. The ‘bold little bookshop on Ballarat Street’, as it is known, contains all manner of fantastical creatures and sneaky stories, some that may try to escape as you peep in the door or even follow you home. With Maxine Beneba Clarke’s trademark melodious language, which is so vivid it seems to leap off each page, this joyful read-aloud is perfect for storytime. The illustrations and collage elements are delightfully full of texture and give the story more movement and colour. We Know a Place promotes the importance of community and is a glorious expression of the joy and wonder of reading. Young bookworms and their families will cherish this love letter to bookshops.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, middle-grade author, and the vice president of CBCA VIC Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
Category: Reviews