Zoom (Dannika Patterson, illus Ross Morgan, Ford St)

Dannika Patterson’s Zoom is a touching story about a boy named Tom. After a bad day at school, Tom comes home upset and withdrawn. Although he initially shuts his mum out, things start to change when he picks up the camera his grandpa gave him and begins taking photos. Tom’s mum reminds him of the lesson his grandpa taught him about photography and how it also applies to life: when he’s in control of the zoom, Tom is in control of the view. Changing the view changes everything, and looking at the bigger picture is important. Zoom illustrates how valuable the ability to reframe your perspective can be. Beautiful illustrations by Ross Morgan (The Gargoyle) explore the subject matter with care and sensitivity, and Patterson’s flowing prose tenderly guides the reader through a story about resilience. Zoom is universally relatable as everyone experiences a rough day at some point, and Patterson (Hedgehog the Wonder Dog) delivers the message with compassion. A fantastic resource for any library and a valuable tool for parents, as well as educators and other professionals, Zoom is an ideal read for children aged 5 and up and for fans of Big Feelings (Alexandra Penfold) and Mr Huff (Anna Walker).

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews