Meet Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs

Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 9781742830209.
(Age: Preschool to 6) Recommended. After Mrs Kookaburra tells Snugglepot and Cuddlepie about the humans who are 'strong as the wind, swift as the river, fierce as the sun' the gumnut babies are determined to see one. Before dawn they creep out of bed and go off on an adventure to find a human and see ('But only in the distance') a human.
It is wonderful to see the favourite Australian characters of my childhood, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, appearing again and this book is a keeper as I am sure it will prove to be a delight for my grandchildren, just as it was for me.
As always, the delightful drawings of the little gumnuts, the friendly lizard, Ragged Blossom and the Australian bush, draw the reader in and make the experience a magical adventure. I particularly loved the scene where nuts and blossoms were dancing under the glowing lanterns. The long-lashed blossoms are just gorgeous and the delicate greens of the gum leaves and the beautiful browns of the branches bring the trees to life. And of course, who could ever forget the little gumnuts, with their rosy cheeks, gumnut hats and leaf clothes?
The book has a sturdy cover and beautiful endpapers of blossoms, nuts, flowers and insects. The text is stimulating enough for the newly emerging reader to try and a delight to read aloud. Its conclusion, 'And so began the adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie',will leave the reader eagerly awaiting more books with May Gibbs' marvellous illustrations and stories.
Pat Pledger