Tweedle Dee Dee

by
Charlotte Voake
Illustrator: Charlotte Voake

The text of this simple picture book is a version of a traditional folk song, 'The Green Leaves Grew Around'. The words and music are printed inside the back cover.

The illustrations tell the story of a mother, her son and their cat having a picnic beneath an enormous oak tree where they meet some squirrels. Up on a branch above them is a nest with three blue eggs inside it. These crack open to reveal chicks who are fed by their mother.

Small children will enjoy the repetition, rhythm and joining in with ‘tweedle dee dee’. The flowing illustrations are big and clear and make this ideal for classroom use.

Publisher: Walker Books

Charlotte Voake

Born and raised in Wales, Charlotte says that book illustration is "the only thing I ever wanted to do." Skipping formal training in art, she studied art history at London University and worked at an art gallery before embarking on a freelance career in illustration. "I don't know that I'm a funny person," says author-illustrator Charlotte, "but it seems when I begin to draw that the characters change, and they take on this amusing and amused look." Indeed, her illustrations are widely loved for this very quality of gentle wit, not to mention their quiet observation, airy exuberance and utter charm.

Charlotte Voake