Follow the
Firefly/Run Rabbit Run! Bernardo
Carvalho (2014) Book Island, 32 pages, paperback, NZ$19.99.
ISBN 978 0 9941098 2 8
Two picture books for the price of one!
Bernardo Carvalho, a Brazilian writer-artist, gives his readers a double
story, using child-like colour illustrations and almost no words. “Excuse me, have you seen a flashing light?”
asks a tiny, diffident firefly, and we follow him as he flickers his perilous
way through swamps and jungles. It’s a game of Find the Firefly where helpful
animals provide the amorous insect with directions to the city that shelters
the object of his desire.
Having reached the (amusing) ending of the firefly saga, we find a new
story beginning on the back page and scampering to the front. “Follow
the rabbit!” is the cry, as a lively pile-up in a city traffic jam lets a
rabbit spring from his cage. Now each picture takes on a completely different
aspect. We seek the rabbit in familiar city streets, swamps and jungles but details
previously ignored – like a pursuing dog– become important. The conclusion will
warm young hearts.
Trevor Agnew
Full publishing details:
Follow the
Firefly/Run Rabbit Run! Bernardo
Carvalho (2014) Book Island, 32 pp, pb, $19.99.
ISBN 978 0 9941098 2 8
Publisher's address: Book Island, Greet Pauwelijn publisher,
49 Poplar Ave, Raumati South 5032, New Zealand
