There’s No Such Thing!

There’s No Such Thing by Heidi McKinnon
Published by Allen & Unwin
Date: March 2020
R.R.P. $19.99

I love Heidi McKinnon’s books, and it isn’t just because she is one of the nicest people I have ever met – that’s just a bonus! She has managed to write and illustrate another awesome children’s book that saw me reading it with the excitement of a child; my husband bore witness to the joy I felt when it arrived in the mail.

There’s No Such Thing has the telltale look of a Heidi Mckinnon book, with her unique illustrations that tell a story all of their own. I love the creatures throughout the book that look like they have monster eyes (or are they monster eyes?) and the little details of marshmallows in a basket that speak volumes about the story. Her use of muted and dark colours actually pop on the page and make you feel immersed in the outdoors with Ted and Bear.

Heidi takes us camping in There’s No Such Thing with Ted and Bear, who hear noises and see strange things like a BLOOD-SUCKING SPIDER – mainly Bear because Ted is fearless throughout the book. Like most of Heidi’s book, there is a little surprise at the end, and I have no doubt that your little readers will love it!

One thing I really love about this book is that Ted and Bear are simply called Ted and Bear, no fancy names but just precisely what they are. I believe children will really relate to that and most like have a Ted and Bear in their own lives.

Heidi has not only captured the worrying circumstances in the story but has also shown that Bear could dream happy and good thoughts to help him sleep. I think this message is pertinent during this time when children are facing worry and need to find ways to let those worries go and focus on the things that make them happy.

It is timely, fun, a great read-aloud and a must-have picture book for all children. If you haven’t had the privilege of reading any of Heidi’s books, then I urge you to give this one a try because they just keep getting better!

Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your stories with children across the world, they are so lucky!

Want to know more? Pop over to Heidi’s website to see her other books and fun things to do.