All Together Now

Phil Cummings (text)

Cassandra Allen (illus)

Omnibus Books (Scholastic), Australia: 2010

ISBN: 9781862918696

Genres: humour, picture book, poetry

A frustrated father is trying to get his family packed up and on their way for a camping trip but the children are over-excited and things are getting a little out of hand. Even with Dad's organization and instructions, will they ever get there?

All Together Now is a clever reinterpretation of Rolf Harris' famous song, Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport and will appeal to a range of reading ages. Cumming's has caught and echoed Harris' rhythm and repetition to the point that parents familiar with the song will be able to sing the story to their children, who will soon pick up the simple tune and join in. Apart from being great fun, this encourages the development of reading as youngsters will soon see the connection between the song they've learnt and the words on the page.

Brightly coloured double-page illustrations emphasise the humour of the situation as well as demonstrating the chaos of going on a family trip. Allen's pictures provide details to enrich the simple narrative and children will enjoy interpreting the hints she provides to extend the story.