Thoughts from a quiet bench by Kes Gray and Nila Aye

Kes Gray, Author of the very popular Oi Frog books returns with a mindful picture book that celebrates the children who are happy to sit quietly on a bench during recess time at school, observing what is going on in the playground.

The child sits silently on the bench, listening to children chattering and playing. The child is happy to be alone but is also happy to have other children perch on the bench and sit quietly. Random thoughts and amazing questions flit through the child’s mind and will challenge the reader and listener to think:

What are thoughts made of?
Where does the air stop being invisible and turn into blue sky?
Can the wind blow in two different directions at once?

I found this book fascinating. It is easy to relate to the child who is thoughtful, observing the colours of socks and the lonely girl who is by herself. The idea of being able to sit tranquilly and not join in is likely to appeal to introspective children and could encourage the more boisterous child to stop and take a breath and let the imagination take over.

The illustrations add to the whimsical nature of the story. Soft colours are used to show the sky and clouds, and the diversity of characters adds to the book’s appeal.

Gray has written a unique story that comes highly recommended.

Themes: Imagination, Thinking, Playgrounds.

Pat Pledger