Hello from Nowhere by Raewyn Caisley and Karen Blair

Reviewed By Carmela Ramos

       Raewyn Caisley and Karen Blair have created the most endearing child protagonist I have met this year in their fabulous picture book Hello From Nowhere. Raewyn Caisley’s enthusiasm and appreciation of the Australian outback oozes out of this great story. 

       My children and I enjoyed the way Eve, the main character, interacted with her wonderful surroundings. We had a glimpse of how interesting a roadhouse can be. It was very empowering to see Eve come up with an idea of how to get her Nan to visit, and it was heartwarming when Eve shows her Nan how special it is to live in the middle of nowhere.

       Karen Blair has done an amazing job in bringing ALL the characters to life. Her illustrations are fun, appealing, and full of emotion. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, sharing a magical moment or sharing a hug, this relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is beautifully presented. 

      This picture book would make a great gift and would be a lovely addition to children’s libraries (I have already given a copy to our school library!).

We are very grateful to Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us a copy of Hello From Nowhere.

Back cover blurb

Eve thought that living in the middle of nowhere was better than living anywhere else in the world…Only one thing made Eve sad. She hadn’t seen Nan since they left the city long ago.

Eve lives in a roadhouse in the middle of the Nullarbor and when her Nan finally visits one day, Eve shows her all the things that are special about where she lives.

A moving celebration of the Australian outback and the special bond between grandparent and grandchild.

Release date:                 27 August 2014

Author's website:            http://www.raewyncaisley.com

Illustrator's website:        http://www.karenblair.com.au

More Info on the book:   http://www.penguin.com.au

                           

About The Author

      Raewyn Caisley was born in New Zealand but has lived in Australia for the past twenty years, in Fremantle, WA, with her husband Terry and their son Jack. Raewyn is the author of books for younger readers that include bestselling Aussie Bites and Nibbles titles such as Monkey Trix, The Big Waves, The Mermaid's Tail and Tai's Penguin, and The Queen's Cubby. She is also the author of junior sports fiction titles Not Cricket, In Union, Karate Star, Tennis Star, Great Lead, Hot Shot and Top Marks.

Photo credit: Joanna Everitt, ImaJE Photography

About The Illustrator:

       Karen Blair grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She made her first picture book when she was nine for a Year 5 project, and by the time she was in her 20s and living in the UK, she knew it was her dream to continue. She now lives in Fremantle with her husband and two cats and works part-time as a primary art teacher. Recent titles include CBCA Honour Book With Nan, written by Tania Cox; Granny Grommet and Me by Dianne Wolfer; Baby Beats and Baby Animal Farm, both of which were written and illustrated by Karen.