Children's Book review

Peas! It's not easy being Peasy

By Andy Cullen

Published by Puffin

A tale of the life of peas (in this case Penelope and Pete) from grower to factory to shop to plate; combining the here and now of young children’s experience with the workings of the wider world.

Blocks of colour, black lines, graphic shapes and circles of all sizes create clear images for the young reader.

But it’s not as naïve as it might seem. The effect is bold, but it is also individualised and softened: the strong lines are fuzzed; the saturated backgrounds have clouded edges; the dominant use of green, red, blue and yellow is nuanced; and the graphic approach is enlivened by breakouts of line and humour.

A very satisfying approach to a young information book and to making veg more friendly.

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Illustrator: Simon Rickerty
Reading age: 6+
Interest level: 3+