Shortlist Spotlight: The Gecko and the Echo by Rachel Bright and Jim Field (Orchard Books)

The third shortlisted book we’re going to shine a spotlight on is The Gecko and the Echo by Rachel Bright and Jim Field. The judges described the book as ‘gorgeous’ and ‘a joy to read aloud’. But if you want a real feel for this lizardy tail (snigger), here’s our judge Cressida Cowell to tell you all about it:

And what about that? A doodle from the illustrator himself, Jim Field. What a treat. Carry on reading for a little insight into the minds of this iconic pairing of author and illustrator below:

Jim Field’s answers:

What is the picture book that have you enjoyed reading with someone else most, and why?

That is a very difficult question as there are so many books I love reading with our daughter. But… the one that stands out is ‘Shh! We have a plan’ by the fab Chris Haughton, previous Oscars Book Prize winner. It’s the French edition, so it was also a good way for me to learn some French!

I read this story with our daughter since she was a baby, the comedy beat with the page turns is story telling perfection every time. 

Our daughter recently started to learn to read and it’s the first picture book she read to me. So, it has a fond place in both of our hearts.

What’s your favourite thing about Goldy?

Goldy has a great selection of dance moves and is never too scared to flaunt them (unlike me)! I love how Goldy eventually channels this confidence and positive energy with the group of geckos and gets them all up and dancing. I wish Goldy would teach me some dance moves.

Which picture book would you give as a gift to Goldy, and why?

I’m not sure Goldy needs a picture book, maybe just a mirror.

Well ok… I’d give Goldy a copy of ‘Pokko and the Drum’ by Matthew Forsythe. I think Goldy would appreciate how Pokko doesn’t like things quiet… Like Goldy, Pokko loves to share her music with the world and get everyone up on their feet.

Rachel Bright’s Answers:

What is the picture book that have you enjoyed reading with someone else most, and why?

Ohhhh! What a hard question! You mean I have to choose?! One?! Well…I LOVE reading with my daughters and they both adore picture books. My youngest asks for two books over and over again…The Large Family Collection (which is actually four books in one!) by Jill Murphy and The Storm Whale and Grandad’s Island by none other than Oscars double winner, Benji Davies. She likes the first ones as they make her chuckle and the second ones as she is mesmerised by the deft and seemingly simple story telling which actually packs a profound message . I also think she loves the idea of rescuing a baby whale and hanging out with orangutans on a tropical island! My eldest, though now devouring chapter books, still loves picture books and always loved the Emily Brown Books (Cressida Cowell) and also ‘Going to the Volcano’ by Andy Stanton, which is equal parts silly, hilarious and genius! There you go – I couldn’t choose one! I chose loads! And I’ve missed out so many of other gems here too!

What’s your favourite thing about Goldy?

Goldy’s pzazz! And, ultimately, a willingness to evolve into a new understanding, without losing any of that wild and confident spirit – but instead – channelling it in a new and exciting way which causes a wonderful positive ripple effect in Goldy’s new world view. I also just love that little pink uke J

Which picture book would you give as a gift to Goldy, and why?

Perhaps ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein…but also ‘The Gecko & the Echo’ – since I know Goldy would appreciate being the star of a story all about Goldy! ☺