Henrietta: there's no one better

Martine Murray (author)

Allen&Unwin, Australia: 2004; 90pp

ISBN: 174114361

Genres: realistic fiction

Henrietta is a highly imaginative child - ‘if anyone tells you I make things up, you better believe it.' Amongst other things, Henrietta is an explorer.

 Every night she sails off in her bathtub to the Island of the Rietta where her secret friend lives. Strangely enough, the Rietta's tastes and habits are very similar to Henrietta's, although it is the Rietta who is inclined to mischief and can lead an unwary child astray. The story is simple enough, a narration of the events and imaginings of Henrietta's day, descriptions of her family (including her dog), and some of her bathtub adventures.

In some ways similar to Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak), this short novel lacks the polish and careful editing that have made Sendak's work such a favourite. Although it will definitely appeal to adults - particularly parents of highly imaginative children - the story is too long to appeal to its intended age group and probably would have done better as a picture book.

This small, hardback volume with an attached ribbon bookmark is an unexpected choice from Allen&Unwin. Although the size and shape is appropriate for a ‘read alone' story for younger children, the text is more likely to appeal to adults. It is perhaps the kind of book that could be bought for expectant parents, a grandmother of an active girl, or a godparent.