By Sally Barns & Anil Tortop
Reviewed by Sandy Driessens
Looking for a book that Rocks? Well, this is the one.
In a small, sleepy town thrashed a ROCK’N’ROLL BAND and on lead guitar was a dachshund named Dan. With Barry, the bulldog on drums, Garry, the greyhound on bass and Sally the springer as the lead singer, The Howlers thought their dreams were coming true when they are asked to open for megastars HISS. They are excited to perform, but in their eagerness to get to the gig … disaster … they forget to secure their instruments! Was it over for the band? No. Their dogged determination, means they use the instruments that they always carried … their voices. They are ‘The Howlers’ after all.
Sally Barns and Anil Tortop were in sync when they created this delightful book. In her first picture book, Barns has crafted characters that perfectly match the instruments they play. Music swings through the story with alliteration, rhyme and rhythm. She has used recognizable musical stars names adds to the fun. The carefully plotted narrative begins with enthusiasm, is followed by despair, then a wonderful finale of an almighty ROAR and screaming for more!
Tortop’s illustrations exude excitement, starting with the shiny cover. Humour is on every page. She has captured the personalities of the band members with their build, expressions and postures. The colours in the background of the double page spreads transport you from a quiet country hotel to a thrilling concert venue. Lizards scuttling around give it an Australian flavour. Having the members of Hiss sporting trademark make-up and the posters on the endpapers imitating famous rock bands completes this rousing musical adventure.
This book made me smile from beginning to end. I recommend it for ages 3 to 99. A great way to share the joy and fun of music with delightful animals thrown in.
Looking for a book that Rocks? Well, this is the one.
