UCLan Publishing (5+) 9781915235985 (Hardback) Download activities and reading resources pack
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The child at the centre of the story feels small and low and is left out of kite-flying games by the town’s other children. Wawa, the little blue bird offers help and hope, guiding the child through a diverse world where there are all manner of sizes and shapes of plants, objects and creatures. Growing in confidence, the child returns to the town to make a kite of their own that can be flown high with pride and pleasure.
There is a lot for the reader to follow from entangled kite strings to the shells on the beach. The illustrations enrich the text and carry subtle messages around creativity, compassion and celebration. Colour is used to great effect with reds and yellows used to show the main character’s journey through the narrative and hinting at a hopeful ending. Skilful use of perspective and space help to highlight feelings and the book is rich in visual symbolism and cultural references allowing readers to find new details to delight in and that provide added depth on each reading. Bold, intricate and uplifting, this is an inspirational journey of having the courage to be ourselves.
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Yu Rong is a Chinese illustrator of children’s picture books, especially known for her use of papercutting artwork. Born in China, she first trained as a primary school teacher, then studied for a BA in Chinese Painting and Contemporary Art Design (Nanjing Normal University’s Art College) and an MA in Communication and Design (Royal College of Art, London). She now lives near Cambridge, UK. The Visible Sounds was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration in 2023.