We're getting special visitors
this term.
Kids from the bush who
want to swim at Manly.
They're driving a long way,
just for a dip.
Some of them
have never seen
the ocean. Imagine that!
I don't know about you, but I am always intrigued to know what sparks the idea for an author's book. Pip Harry's spark came when she was sitting on the sand after a swim at the beach. As she watched a group of country school children visiting the beach for the first time, running along the sand, playing in the waves and exploring rock pools and building sandcastles, Pip wondered how the trip would affect their lives and the lives of the families who hosted them.
The Little Wave is a about three very different kids with their own challenges. Their lives connect when a city school plans to bring a country class from Mullin to visit the beach at Manly. Together Noah, Lottie and Jack discover the power of friendship, courage and being true to yourself.
Noah has no fear when surfing, but doesn't know how to stand up to bullying from his best mate.
Lottie is fascinated by bugs, but worries about her dad who has filled their house with junk.
Jack wants to be a cricket star, but has to do well at school if he wants to see the ocean.
How do a surfer grommet and a a bug collector from the city and a cricket player from the country become friends?
Discover what happens when Mr M surprisingly pairs Noah and Lottie to organise the class fundraiser and how being pen pals helps Jack and Noah to encourage each other.
The Little Wave is a verse novel written in the first person point of view. This gives readers a window into the thoughts and feelings of Noah, Lottie and Jack as they tell their part of the story. Verse novels are easy to read (but not easy to write!) Their authors often use imagery to paint pictures for readers. This is how Noah describes surfing
Being on a wave
is like riding
a rolling ball of energy
that's travelled hundreds of kays
across the ocean.
and how Lottie feels when she is ignored on the bus
I feel
like a shiny helium balloon
slowly deflating.
If you have enjoyed reading Kathryn Apel's verse novels, or like reading about kids like you, books about friendship or a story that simply makes you feel good, then The Little Wave is a book you need to read!
The vibrant cover by Sophie Beer captures the beach setting and warmth of this story. Look out for the little symbols Sophie has added to each of the character's chapter headings.
This is Pip Harry's first verse novel...I hope there will be more to come!
Happy reading!
