Little Beauty

The Sunday Age

Sunday June 22, 2008

Frances Atkinson

LITTLE BEAUTY

Anthony Browne

Walker, $27.95

I don't know about in the wild, but, on the page, no one captures a gorilla quite like Anthony Browne. Little Beauty is based on the true story of Koko, a low-land gorilla who was taught sign language by his keepers and formed a strong bond with a kitten. Browne's text is beautifully honed, leaving his illustrations to convey the emotion, which can be found pooling in the amber-coloured eyes of the gorilla, or at the tips of his extended hand as he realises that what's missing from his life is friendship. Browne takes his young readers on an emotional journey, too. Anger, loneliness, contentment, frustration, humour and what it means to really communicate are all explored in this moving picture book. Koko's ending was not a happy one, but Little Beauty ends on just the right note.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home