Walls by Tania Ingram. Illus. by Ruth-Mary Smith

At first glance, this deceptively simple picture book with short conversational text, appears to be about two adults, one a Knight and the other a Viking, trying to outdo each other while their children play contentedly together at their feet. After carrying on in this manner they finally both decide to build their own wobbly wall on their side of the book with unfortunate consequences. Firstly, they change the natural flow of the water course and secondly both walls are so unstable that they collapse and cause more damage. The two children, so much wiser and thoughtful in their actions, show how the simple act of communication can solve the adults’ differences and help find a resolution.

The colourful and striking cover cleverly depicting the title built in bricks, and the endpapers showing the children happily using an old-fashioned method of communicating by two tins connected by string, add to the interest and wonder of what this book may hold. This story is really a conversation, shown clearly by the use of speech bubbles, and providing an ingenious introduction to pronouns for younger readers.

However, there is also an unexpected depth to this tale. The more the reader examines the themes of competition and conflict, briefly portrayed in this book, and perhaps then considered on a more worldwide scale, the more the realisation that all grievances can be solved with conversation and compromise. There is certainly a lesson to be learnt.

Fabulous teacher notes can be sourced here.

Themes: Friendship, Competition, Conflict, Resolution, Communication.

Kathryn Beilby