From a dynamic new picture-book partnership comes the story of Alfie and a big octopus wearing a tiny hat and the things you can only whisper to the cowboys on your wallpaper.
Davina Bell is a writer from Western Australia who works in the world of children's books. Her short stories and essays have been published in various journals and anthologies, including The Best Australian Stories 2007. Allison Colpoys is an award-winning freelance book designer and illustrator. When she was little, Allison was obsessed with underwater worlds and wanted to be a mermaid when she grew up. She is still trying.
‘Beautifully tender and life-affirming.’
*Nathan Filer, author of The Shock of the Fall*
‘Immensely identifiable … A touching and reassuring book which
understands the way children think, normalising shyness and showing
how it can be overcome with a little bit of time, understanding and
encouragement … A very beautiful book … Required reading for
children prone to shyness.’
*Junior Magazine 'April Book Club'*
‘This book will help articulate “that feeling” for many young
children, offering them comfort and relief when they need it
most.’
*Early Years Educator*
‘A simple palette makes for a stunning visual effect in this gentle
story of one little boy's anxiety. Beautiful illustrations and a
clear and sensitive text keep the message simple … A useful book
for children who suffer with anxiety or shyness, but the gorgeous
style will appeal to those with artistic eyes too.’
*Booktrust's March 2015 ‘Books We Like’*
‘Beautifully-written and sensitive, there's not a scrap of schmaltz
in this book about the anxiety that plagues some children … The
tenderness in this story is divinely balanced with gentle pops of
fluorescent colour on soft grey pages … A considered, charming and
important book for anyone struggling with throwing themselves into
the vast ocean of modern day society.’
*Kids' Book Review*
‘This gorgeous picture book doesn't whack you over the head with
its exploration of social anxiety, but considers a sensitive boy's
feelings with empathy and subtlety … The theme is beautifully
explored and Allison Colpoys' illustrations perfectly capture his
vulnerability’
*Readings*
‘This beautifully packaged book, embossed with shimmering detail
and pops of colour will undoubtedly resonate with any of us who
have ever been the tiniest bit scared about anything!’
*Picture Books Blogger*
‘Delightful … a beautiful object to hold in your hands and
enjoy.’
*Magpie That*
‘In her gorgeous retro style illustrations executed with limited
colour, Allison Colpoys conveys Alfie's fearfulness beautifully and
the tale is sympathetically and convincingly told … a demonstration
of both the artist's and author's understanding of how young
children try to cope with shyness/introversion.’
*Red Reading Hub*
‘A completely charming, beautifully illustrated picture book about
fitting in.’
*A Case for Books*
‘Beguiling and breath-taking The Underwater Fancy-Dress Parade by
Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys deserves a place on everyone's
bookshelf … A story which will strike a tear-jerking chord with
anyone who has ever been a little bit worried about anything.
Beautifully designed this book with its carefully curated pallet
and glimmering embellishments is a complete treasure.’
*The Book Sniffer*
‘Davina Bell approaches the sensitive issue of anxiety in children
with subtlety, her words matched by the elegance of Allison
Colpoys’ soft palette of grey, blue, white and peach’
*Books + Publishing*
‘[A] gorgeous book … discusses anxiety without either demonising it
or fixing it with a magic wand … sweet and tender and shiny … And
any book with a penguin driving a bus is A-ok with me.’
*Melbourne with the Rocket*
‘A stunning, nature-inspired picture book on the dilemma of
shyness.’
*Smallish Magazine*
‘Davina Bell and Allison Colpoy’s beautifully designed picture book
captures perfectly how it feels to be small and shy in a big brave
world … Anyone who knows or has been a shy child will empathise
with Alfie’s plight, and Bell's descriptions of his anxiety are
realistic yet simple … Exquisite … A must-read.’
*Inis Magazine*
‘Charming tale for any child who's less than confident about new
things.’
*Gurgle Magazine*
‘A gorgeous book, perfect for parents with a shy or sensitive
child.’
*The Gingerbread House (blog)*
‘For anyone who has ever suffered from anxiety, you will feel an
instant bond to this story. Bell's portrayal of anxiety is so
honest and accurate yet refreshingly and tenderly dealt with …
There is obvious quality in the images, which are simple yet
compelling. It is easy to love Colpoys palette of luminous fawn,
blues and teals. And it is through these illustrations that we
truly understand how Alfie feels.’
*The School Librarian*
'A distinctive and beautifully nuanced book about overcoming
shyness and trying to be brave. Highly recommended.'
*The Bookseller*
‘Poignant … A wonderful way to support children who feel scared
about different experiences.’
*Juno*
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