Bluey: Mum School by Bluey

Bluey: Mum School is based on the hit ABC TV series Bluey. It is a board book made out of strong board that is tough enough to withstand a toddler's handling. Bluey is a blue heeler pup and the series is about her life and adventures with her family and friends. The wholesome values and humour displayed plus the compelling nature of the characters make Bluey a household favourite across Australia especially with the preschooler age group. The best selling series has amassed many fans and generated a huge range of merchandise including books, toys, clothes and games.

There is nuance that is funny for parents but probably will be missed by children. Bluey's family (Mum, Dad, Bingo and Bluey) are full of love and fun. In Bluey: Mum School Bluey doesn't want to have a bath. Instead she is having Mum mark her performance as a Mum at an imaginary Mum school with balloons as pretend children. In the meantime Dad is receiving many points at Dad school for getting Bingo bathed and her teeth cleaned. In the end Mum manages to trick Bluey into having a bath. The simple message that is delivered with warmth and humour is that if you fail you can try again tomorrow and love is the most important thing.

The dialogue between the characters is simple and crisp designed to be read out loud. Words to be stressed are highlighted. The illustrations are delightful as everyone who knows Bluey is fully aware. There are a couple of full page spreads but the rest of the pages are delineated by their background colours. The text moves across the top of double pages, down the right hand side, alternately left and right next to accompanying illustrations, top and bottom, left and right, all resulting in an engaging reading experience as the eye wanders over the pages following the text and accompanying illustrations. The colours are soft - mostly pastel. Somehow the cartoon like characters manage to convey such emotion!

At 32 pages, Bluey: Mum School, is a fun, quick book to read together for preschoolers and early readers.

We all love Bluey.

Themes: If you fail, Try again, Family love, Imaginative play.

Wendy Jeffrey