Kiwis and Koalas: Bridge to Anywhere

When Kiwis and Koalas: Bridge to Anywhere arrived I was a bit excited, as I reviewed the first book, Kiwis and Koalas, in 2021 and I hoped this one would be as good as the first. I wasn't disappointed. When you pick it up and feel the embossed cover, and flick through the pages it feels like you are about to read something special, and you are!

We meet Lily, and again we witness the magic of the bridge in the bottom of her garden. This time, not just whisking us across 'the ditch' but also to London, Germany, Kenya and many more far flung locations across the globe.

Laura Bee has captured lots of emotions and little details in the illustrations, from the Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt to the coloured chalk flying in the air in India. The illustration colours are slightly muted, almost like you are walking through a dream. Keen-eyed readers will notice Lily is wearing a cochlear implant, a nice touch.

This is a thoughtful book that will help young readers deal with big feelings and feel connected to those who might not be in cuddling distance. "The people we love are never far away when we can feel them in our hearts".