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Lothian 2002 | This was a read aloud to five and six year olds and the children were immediately taken by the title The Magic Paintbox and the rich, vibrant colours of the cover. On Edwards seventh birthday he was rushed off to Grandmas as bushfires raged in the area where he and his family lived. He was annoyed to have his birthday disrupted - but it was not all bad, because Edward received a special gift. Readers feel the significance of the gift through Leachs vibrant, swirling colours that are the illustrations. Just as Edward delighted in repeating the names of the colours, the students related to the colours through their experiences: My necklace is aquamarine, I have a scarlet ribbon and Ive heard of indigo. In drawing and painting after the story the children continued to say the names as they tried to make the colours on paper. This was an interesting book to read to the class but I have the feeling that seven and eight year olds would get more from it. Some of these young children grappled with the magic in the story. It was also difficult for this group (city children living in the tropics) to imagine the horror of bushfires and the black aftermath. However, Edwards painting, the fabulous colours and the vibrant illustrations kept them wondering until the end. And as one child commented, I liked the fantastic illustrations and they helped the story. Year One, Cairns Queensland
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