by Bob Graham
 
Letterbox Library is a huge fan of Bob Graham’s work. He has en extraordinary skill for detailing the absolute minutiae of events, which he then extends out in to vast tributes to universal concepts, with a joyful emphasis on community, empathy and humanity. Here, we see a group of children rushing out of gigantic, looming tower block flats. We see the occasional adult wearing face masks suggesting a lockdown. A small (Black) child from the fifteenth floor is the last to emerge. She carries a big box of chalks. She  kneels down to draw a pattern on the ground and then stands back, pleased with her work. Along comes Jackson who adds his flourish. And then, Janet Fairly and then the Bradley twins all add their own twists. More and more shapes emerge, contributed by a diverse groups of children (including two Hijabi girls)-dandelions! space invaders! At the very centre, Rosie draws “The Queen of Swirls”. The perspective pulls back in to a classic Graham birds eye view which shows the estate’s communal concrete area, now a  blaze of colour. The illustrations then cut and zoom in to (the style begs filmic comparisons) Nasrin leaning over from her flat balcony to take a photo to send her mum who lives in Iran. The book’s journey continues on and on-
 
‘I really like the illustrations and the story of how the drawing brings everyone together’ (Georgia, young Letterbox Library reviewer). ‘A positive message about the power of community, especially in a built up urban landscape’ (Richard, English Lead/Asst. Headteacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). An epic-sized celebration of community, creativity imaginative play. Age 4-7, Paperback 37pp