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I’ve blogged before about how important I think books are for children, families, people, intelligence, perspective, empathy, etc. I’ve also grumbled about the relative lack that I have noticed, of children’s books that somehow manage to be deep, direct, open, and wide.

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One of the aspects that I hadn’t anticipated, of keeping a blog for so long, is the connections I would end up making with other mothers from all over the globe. It’s quite wonderful, really, and if you’re one of those readers who have stuck with me throughout my vagaries and inconsistencies, then thank you.
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I met Hayley Egan, an Australian who has lived in Spain for many years, through this space, and she very generously sent me her book.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after sharing Hayley’s gorgeous book with my kids, I wanted to share it here, and to wholeheartedly endorse it.  “Pizzica Pizzica” written and illustrated by Hayley Egan, is a lyrical, metaphorical, mysterious work– the antithesis of the schlock that I see so much on the shelves of the kids section.   I loved it immediately; the stunning paintings in vibrant colours which are both simple, and highly evocative—each page is a visual treat. The story too, is simply told, but oblique in the most delicious way, and could be read in so many ways, by so many readers, of every age.  I found it to be quite political, and really very subversive, and beautiful and hopeful.  And I love that the text gives me an opportunity to practise my appalling and bordering-on-nonexistent Italian (I did drop out of Italian 101, a few months into the course, when my imminent failure became apparent).
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This book would make a beautiful gift to a little one, or to someone who is missing their dance.
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Find out more about Hayley Egan and her stunning artwork here, and check out the Facebook page for her book here.