George the Wizard (Tony Armstrong, illus Emma Sjaan Beukers, Lothian)

Gamilaroi man, professional footballer, and radio and TV personality Tony Armstrong adds ‘children’s author’ to his CV with George the Wizard. It’s the first picture book in a new series for kids aged 3+ about trusting others to accept who you are, and the enriching friendships that can result when you do. Pink-haired and fabulous, George lives his best life atop his magic mountain, among his crystal gardens and animal companions, zooming about on a cloud and magicking up bubble baths and meals. Content as he is, however, he longs for friends. When a local villager, Harriet, mysteriously hears his wish, George hesitantly accepts her invitation to visit the village, despite worrying that others will judge him for his magic. When George and Harriet arrive, an unfriendly dragon is attacking the village, so George’s magic may be just what they need. Ngemba/Ngiyampaa debut illustrator Emma Sjaan Beukers creates a zany, flamboyant, near-psychedelic world of colour and action in which comic-strip-style narrative boxes and speech bubbles (often accompanied by breakout words in bright, illustrative fonts) will appeal to beginner readers. George the Wizard brings subtle diversity and enthusiastic energy to its story, showcasing a fairytale world where fantasy creatures of all sizes, shapes and colours share spaces. It’s a good intermediate-level book for readers excited by graphic novels but not quite ready for series such as Luke Pearson’s Hilda.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anica Boulanger-Mashberg is a freelance editor and writer, and a bookseller at the Hobart Bookshop. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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