Some reviews for ‘Flame Stands Waiting’
Corinne Fenton has established a reputation for writing beautiful picture-book histories of animals whose lives have become legendary, with Queenie: One Elephant’s Story and The Dog on the Tuckerbox – both CBCA award-winners. In her latest book, the story is once again set in the not-too-distant past, but is based upon an imaginary carousel horse, Flame.
The story beautifully captures the power of imagination, as the spirit of both the child and horse are given the freedom to soar. The full-page illustrations are evocative of a bygone era, adding depth to the story and providing the opportunity to discuss memories of childhood, and the dreams we share, with a younger generation.
Junior Bookseller and Publisher March-May 2010
Rather innocent and nostalgic, this picture book celebrates an earlier time when pleasures seemed simpler. The text complements the pictures beautifully. Never overwhelming the reader with unnecessary detail, it lets the pictures do the talking. The language may be simple but it is evocative – children wait like fidgety ants – and the repetition of Flame stands waiting will appeal to younger readers. This is a book to linger over.
Magpies May 2010
Award-winning author, Corinne Fenton has excelled again with her new picture book, Flame Stands Waiting. The language Fenton employs juxtaposes the beauty and the magic of the carousel with the sadness of Flame, an integral part of the carousel and demonstrates how dreams can inspire and uplift us to achieve against all odds.
The muted tones of Sebastian Ciaffaglione’s soft and gentle illustrations draw the reader into a past of girls in dresses and bobby-socks, boys in shorts and braces, men in suits and women in hats. The illustration of Clara and Flame flying across the moon lit night sky is one of unrestrained joyousness and freedom.
Flame Stands Waiting is a beautiful book that is bound to become a family favourite to be shared time and time again.
Buzzwords April 2010
Reminiscent of a much older story and illustration technique, Flame Stands Waiting will induce tears from even the most hardened of hearts. The story of a horse in a carousel, grounded to the one spot while all the others seem to float in the air as they turn in their fixed circles, is a well worn story of the rejected, the one which stands alone, but reaches fulfilment because of the heart of a small girl who sees the horse for what it is. She uses her imagination to take the horse out of its fixed place and soar above the clouds.
A tender story which will appeal to those who wish to share a moving story with the class or their children and grandchildren, Flame Stands Waiting recalls carousels of the past, but encourages the young to dream. Like Fenton’s Queenie, I cried from cover to cover, so I can only warn you! Read it first before reading it aloud.
The illustrations by Sebastian Ciaffaglione capture the times between the two wars expertly with the large number of children taken to the amusement park by their parents. The clothing, styles of hair and dress are all redolent of the times when things were far less easy than today, when going to an amusement park was the highlight
of the year.
ReadPlus March 2010
I knew I would love this book the moment I laid eyes on it. I am a big believer in giving children picture books that both tell a great story and have illustrations that match and add to the story. This is one of those books, a simple tale of the power of imagination and dreams with pictures that help tell the story, by setting the time and place.
This is Australian picture books at their best!
Busy Mothers May 2010
There is also an interview about Flame at Kids’ Book Capers
http://content.boomerangbooks.com.au/kids-book-capers-blog/flame-stands-waiting/2010/05
Some reviews for ‘Queenie: One Elephant’s Story’
Stock Up On ‘Queenie’!
Publicity for Queenie: One Elephant’s Story includes ‘National Nine News’, the Australian Women’s Weekly book of the month, feature articles in the Age (Metro), the Herald Sun (Weekend) and the Melbourne Weekly, rave reviews in Good Reading, the Australian, the Sunday Age, the Herald Sun, the Courier Mail, the Adelaide Advertiser and Metro. Radio includes feature interview and talkback on 774 ABC and 3AW review on the Ernie Sigley Show.
Australian Bookseller & Publisher Online
“This is the true story of a gentle Indian elephant called Queenie, who was a legend at Melbourne Zoo, loved by generations of children and adults. From around 1905, Queenie began to carry passengers and people came from everywhere to ride on her back. A poignant tale from our past, with divine illustrations and a sad ending, handled well.”
The Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Book of the Month, August 2006
“Queenie resided at Melbourne Zoo in the early 20th century where for tuppence visitors could ride on the elephant’s back. Vigorously researched, this picture book is a short biography of Queenie, following her birth in the Indian jungle, her separation from her family and long passage to Australia … It’s a moving story of an animal whose natural inclinations are tamed by humans. Peter Gouldthorpe’s illustrations bring this story to colourful life.”
The Weekend Australian
Some reviews for THE DOG ON THE TUCKERBOX
The Dog on the Tuckerbox is an important addition to the Australian picture book tradition of recording moments on our history for children to savour… It is a dramatic and moving story of companionship and love, told with compassion for the animal at its centre and presented in images that will remain with the reader long after the book is closed…
— Stephanie Owen Reeder, The Canberra Times
Like Queenie, this too has the feeling of a meticulous yet lovingly researched story
— Hilary Adams, Bookseller+Publisher
It is this relationship between master and dog that captures the Australian spirit and makes the book small in length, but huge in heart
— Sarah Warne, Weekly Times
A visual and literary delight
— Sally Murphy, aussiereviews.com
This beautiful, thoughtful picture book depicts a lost time that is well worth revisiting. It will leave an impression long after happier, lighter tales have faded.
— Bruno Moro, Readings
Working together, (Corinne and Peter) have timelessly re-created the social realism of this historical period to give new life to an iconic Australian folk tale
— Chloe Mauger, Magpies
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about Australia’s pioneers and unwavering loyalty from a dog to her master. The story is simply and emotively told, giving us insight into life of the bullockies who worked the rough tracks and to the loyalty of a special dog in times of hardship.
Award-winning illustrator Peter Gouldthorpe brings life to this traditional story with realistic and well researched illustrations that capture the essence of the time.
The story is suitable for ages 5 and upwards.
Jennifer Melnik, Cherrabubble Magazine