Audrey skips by Andrea Rowe. Illus. by Lisa Coutts

Well known award-winning Australian picture book author Andrea Rowe has once again written an engaging narrative that will provide younger to middle grade readers with an opportunity to learn about a small but telling part of Melbourne’s rooftop history. Written in a mixture of rhyme and non-rhyming verse, this expressive and imaginative tale brings to life the story of Melbourne’s first animated neon sign, the Skipping Girl, a timeless treasured landmark that turns 90 in 2026.

First erected in 1936, the neon sign advertised the Skipping Girl Vinegar brand. Over a number of years, the sign has been moved and undergone numerous renovations. The original rhyme "salt, vinegar, mustard, pepper, if I dare..." connected vinegar and a skipping girl and is cleverly used throughout the picture book.

This story is predominantly set in the 1930’s and history tells us that many in Melbourne were facing the effects of The Great Depression. Audrey skips across the sky bringing light and joy in the darkest of times. When the sign no longer functions, darkness adds to people’s despair. However, with a dedicated community effort the sign is eventually repaired and Audrey’s light shines brightly once more.

Lisa Coutts has brilliantly illustrated Audrey’s journey across the skies beginning with the front endpapers showing Audrey skipping across the night sky and with the final endpapers showing Audrey in the brightness of early morning. Careful use of muted tones adds to the atmosphere of the time and setting including the night sky and the troubled time of living through the Depression.

The skilful use of descriptive language, onomatopoeia, a variety of short and long phrases, considered text placement as well as alliteration – ‘frilled, feet fast-flashing’ create a powerful and thoughtful story. Audrey Skips is a deeply moving narrative that will open up opportunities for extended discussion as well as providing valuable literacy/language learning experiences.

Themes: Melbourne, Skipping, Neon signs, Landmark, Community, History, Legacy.

Kathryn Beilby