Ozzie Goes to School (Jocelyn Crabb, illus by Danny Snell, Working Title)

Ozzie Goes to School is a gentle picture book about one of life’s great milestones. Ozzie loves living with his dad in their shipping container on the beach. Safe in his world he isn’t afraid of anything, not even the dark or crocodiles. But the idea of going to school and leaving his dad terrifies Ozzie: what will his dad do without him? Author Jocelyn Crabb—a parent, grandparent and teacher—masterfully captures Ozzie’s uncertainty as he navigates his first days in a new place. Ultimately, he must overcome his fears to discover that change can be rewarding. The text introduces the new concepts of maths, news, and reading time, giving young children an insight as to what to expect at school. Illustrator Danny Snell uses his love of line and texture to portray Ozzie’s simple home life and to convey the relationship between him and his dad. This story will appeal to fans of Peter Carnavas, with its family focus and message about change and expanding worlds. Perfect for a readership aged five years and up, and released in time for the back-to-school market, this picture book is the perfect gift for any child and family about to go through the experience.

M H Alessandrino is a Perth-based writer and reviewer

Category: Reviews