Leaving Taking
By Lorraine Marwood
$14.95, UQP
** SHORTLISTED FOR CBCA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS: YOUNGER READERS **
Among the stellar titles on this year’s CBCA awards shortlists is this touching verse novel about a young boy named Toby, whose little sister has died from cancer. Toby’s family are saying farewell to their home, taking stock and making sure that while they’re leaving their farm, they are not leaving their treasured memories behind. The gentle pace and evocative descriptions of the sounds and sights of the farm provide a kind of safe bubble in which to reflect on Toby’s loss and heartache. It explores the way in which we – both adults and children – often can’t find the right words and actions in times of loss, and reminds us the most important thing is that saying goodbye doesn’t mean forgetting. Leave Taking is a story, and a message, to treasure.
Angie Schiavone has a Master of Arts in Children's Literature and is the former children's book reviewer for The Sydney Morning Herald. She has been a judge for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, a restaurant reviewer and editor for the Good Food Guide, and a cookbook editor. She's also a mum to two book and food-loving kids.
If you are a SCBWI member and have a new book coming out soon make sure you CLICK HERE to submit your book to Angie’s Reviews.