Five friends are feeling bored on a hot sticky day. Just when they think they’ll never find anything fun to play, a simple gust
Jacaranda Magic is the stunning debut picture book from Brisbane-based copywriter and children’s author, Dannika Paterson. Drawing on a background in Child Psychology and a passion for early education, literacy and nature play, Paterson uses her talents to write quality literature for children that fosters and encourages creativity, imagination and exploration.
Superbly illustrated by twice CBCA Shortlisted illustrator Megan Forward, Jacaranda Magic spins the story of a dull summer’s day transformed into one filled with adventure and discovery through the power of imagination. Five bored children, unable to decide what to do with themselves, are lounging beneath a Jacaranda tree to escape the hot summer sun when a gust of wind sends a flurry of purple blossoms into the air, igniting their imaginations. The children take turns to conjure new worlds—suddenly, the jacaranda blossoms are not so much flowers as mermaids, dragon scales, asteroids or fairies; the tree now a boat, castle or space ship. This book gently highlights the power of imaginative play, storytelling and movement to remedy boredom, without the need for material stimuli like scooters, sandpits and iPads—reminding children and parents alike that imagination alone can entertain you.
In Jacaranda Magic, imagination springs to life. Perfectly accompanied by double spreads of Forward’s gorgeously soft pencil and watercolour illustrations, Jacaranda Magic is breathtaking to read. The symphony of purple is sure to capture the attention of any young reader—reminding them of the beauty of their natural world and gently encouraging them to look a little closer at their own surroundings to find wonder and excitement. Jacaranda Magic features a diverse cast of characters in a realistic setting that rings true of Australia’s multi-cultural landscape—readers will delight in watching their glum faces change amid full-colour spreads, packed full of action and adventure. However, the images are abstract and free-flowing enough to allow space for the reader’s own imagination and creative input—asking what do you think these flowers could be?
Jacaranda Magic celebrates unstructured, imaginative outdoor play and the beauty of nature. It offers a refreshing perspective of boredom as a valuable opportunity for creativity rather than a burden—encouraging young readers to escape to nature if they’re feeling bored of their toys or trapped inside the house. Here, Patterson reminds us that a child’s imagination has endless potential for inventive storytelling—especially with nature and friendship as inspiration. Told in rhyming couples and a large typeface, Jacaranda Magic showcases a range of literary devices that translate well to curriculum learning—teaching children about simple alliteration, assonance, meter and rhyme. As children increasingly turn to screen-based learning and struggle to develop and hone their creative, imaginative and motor skills, Jacaranda Magic is both a bedtime tale and a valuable educational tool in the classroom.
Jacaranda Magic is magic by name, magic by nature. It’s a lovely tale that will charm any reader, inviting both children and adults alike to go outside and play.
Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers, from ages 4–7.
R, 11/10/2019
