The Frumpling (Jo van der Borgh, illus Jo Beasley, Walker)

The Frumpling by Jo van der Borgh, illustrated by Jo Beasley, is a playful rhyming picture book about a lonely creature whose life begins to change after one honest conversation and a very long bath. The Frumpling is avoided by other beasts because he smells and looks “squaffy”, until the bossy Poppletort finally tells him what no one else will. What follows is a gentle tale of self-care, kindness and second chances.

The story unfolds in lively verse, filled with invented creature names and absurd humour. Young listeners will likely enjoy the sillier moments, particularly the bath sequence and the cheeky ending, involving an embarrassing smell at the celebratory feast. In tone and structure, the book feels slightly old-fashioned. It is reminiscent of classic rhyming picture books with clear narrative arcs and playful nonsense words. While the message about community and inclusion is clear, it is delivered lightly.

Beasley’s illustrations add warmth and personality throughout. The images carry much of the humour and emotion, especially as the townsfolk reconsider how they have treated the Frumpling.

The Frumpling will particularly appeal to children aged 4 to 7 in storytime settings or to readers who enjoy traditional animal fables or singsong verse.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, an author and the education advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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