Sometimes a breathtaking talent comes along and dazzles us all with her fabulous storytelling skills. Such is the case with Elise Hurst, author and illustrator of "Adelaide's Secret World" just published by Allen and Unwin.
Adelaide is a rabbit, but not just any rabbit. She has an amazing view of the world that is daydreamy and surreal. Her once bustling shop now has a curtain drawn across the window, and when Adelaide does venture out, it's to gather inspiration for her amazing pieces of artwork.
Adelaide comes to know and love her town and slowly begins to realise that she's not alone in her musings.
Others too share the same timid yet sharp observations of where they live and how they fit in. Will Adelaide's view of the world change when she finds others who share it?
At once reminiscent of Shaun Tan's books, but with an utterly amazing painterly style throughout, Elise Hurst has tapped into something most creatives will know and understand, and also something us timid folk already know. Just because you're quiet, it doesn't mean you've got nothing to offer or contribute to how we see ourselves, others, and our surroundings.
It's pure bliss in book form.
Charlotte's best bit: Adelaide's amazing little dioramas as she taps into her acute observations of the world and turns them into amazing art
Daddy's favourite bit: A blissful dreamscape of a book that sings out with a siren song to all introverts like me, and to all creative folk who dare to do more than daydream. This is something very very special indeed.
(Kindly sent for review)
"Adelaide's Secret World" by Elise Hurst is out now, published by Allen and Unwin.