Time To Go To The Park

By Emma Bowd & Leila Rudge

Reviewed by Margarite Igras.

Emma Bowd is not only an Australian award-winning author who is passionate about writing inclusive picture books, but with a background in occupational therapy, she is also an advocate of imaginative, nature-based child play. Together with Leila Rudges’s fun and animated illustrations, the younger reader from age 3 to 6 will be drawn into this visual catalogue of uninhibited and joyful activities in the park.

Breakfast is over, now it is time for fun in the park with mum, grandpa, Winnie the dog, toy Bunny and many other friends. There are swings, the sandpit, skating and slides. But soon, it’s time for a shared picnic lunch. For some, it’s time for a nap. For others, it’s time for more adventures. When it’s time to go home, there is One more slide and swing and swirl. One more climb and ride and whirl.

The simple rhyming text reflects the child-centred activities and the joy found in this happy place, while the Tick Tock from the  clock introduces the reader to the notion of the division of time in a day. Breakfast in the morning, then lunchtime, afternoon nap time, bathtime and finally bedtime.  Leila’s illustrations are soft yet colourful, with an array of diverse people, old and young, and wheelchair bound. The busyness of each pages lends itself to pause the reading and reflect or discuss the fun activities captured on the pages.

This is such a happy and positive book for young children, with activities that they will recognize and want to share.

Harper Collins AU 2026

Emma Bowd

Leila Rudge