Picture Book Review – The Hueys in ‘It Wasn't Me’ – Oliver Jeffers (Author & Illustrator)
Recommended for – Toddlers, Younger Readers
If you've read any of my other reviews on this blog, you’ll
know that I’m a massive fan of Oliver Jeffers’ work. I loved the first Hueys book, which had one of the
cleverest jokes I’ve ever seen in a picture book, and so I was delighted to
learn that there’s another book in the series.
When Gillespie comes across some of the Hueys arguing one
day, he tries to get to the bottom of what they’re arguing about. He doesn't
have much luck, but when there’s something much more exciting to see, maybe it
won’t matter…
What I love most about Oliver Jeffers’ work is the humour,
and it’s utter bizarreness at times – the way random events pop up is genius,
and the end of this story is brilliant, with the way Gillespie distracts the
Hueys long enough for them to forget their argument. Whilst it’s not quite as
good a joke throughout as The New Jumper,
it’s still great to read, and one for parents just as much as for children.
The illustrations are instantly recognisable as Jeffers’
work too, and he’s my favourite artist working in picture books today. There’s
a wacky feel to them that matches the humour perfectly, and it’s fantastic to
have an author who illustrates his own work and can bring his exact vision to
paper.
The name Oliver Jeffers should guarantee you read this – if
not, please accept my plea for you to do so. Every Oliver Jeffers book missed
is a waste of one of the chance to read one of the world’s most entertaining
authors, in any age or genre.
9/10
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