Jeanette Goode
ARTIST - WRITER - ILLUSTRATOR
Reviews
“As I write this review the Hoiho has just been voted New Zealand bird of the Year but had the judges and public known this story I am sure they would have changed their minds.
Jack is a Fiordland Crested penguin who lives on the west Coast of New Zealand and is equally endangered. It is shameful that many humans in decision making positions still think that we humans are the only creature that matters on this planet but fortunately for a wounded and threatened Jack, he meets some humans who are not of that ilk.
This almost true story has Jack rescued, nurtured back to health and set free again rather reluctantly because Jack has become attached to his human friends but alas must fend for himself again. The humans will miss him but penguins don’t send postcards.
A delightful story written in easy text and beautifully illustrated. For junior readers essentially but heavens this story is for everybody and was the power to change opinions.”
Natasha Bell
“Jeanette I love the letter form of the story, the beautiful illustrations, the layers in the story and dear little Simmy. You have expressed so deftly, feelings that children and their special people go through when hard things happen. And you have told a tale that also has so much humour in it, and wonder and connection. I keep marvelling at this story, warming feet by the fire; Simmy lying on tummy with head down the hatch, the mountains, the bath, the coal range, driftwood, the truck not going, those fine and smelly, noisy little blue creatures, the missions outside in the dark…. So much richness in this Jeanette I cried, then smiled, then cried, then kept on smiling. It is so gentle, real and sweet – and funny. Yay!! You did it!!” – A Little Blue
Marg
“Thank you so much for your lovely donation of A Little Blue to Granity School, the staff are very happy. Gemma, the Principal, has charged me with the task of getting XXXXXXX, the 9 year old girl I work with, to write you a thank you letter.
I’m not sure if XXXXXXX has fully grasped the concept of ‘thank you’ or letter, but I showed her the book and she loved it and felt it was especially for her, insisting I read aloud every page. And she’s definitely getting the concept of “letter”because every page starts with Dear Mum, which she reads herself.
I think it appeals also because the landscape and colours are so reassuringly familiar. We’re right in the vicinity of a penguin habitat after all.
Anyway XXXXXXXXX and I will work on a letter to you in the future!
Thank you for brightening our day.”
Toroa Charteris
“A Little Blue is a book for children told through a series of letters.
It is about a boy called Simmy who is forced to stay with his father on the wild West Coast, he hates it at first but settles in when he discovers penguins nesting under his bedroom.
They capture his interest and as he learns more about them he looks for ways to raise awareness and protect the little blue penguins.
As a 13 year old I can say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and looking at the beautiful illustrations, this book appeals to all ages. It has a charmingly poignant feel to it that really attracts a wide range of people. Many people seem to feel a personal connection with the book. It just has this take on the West Coast that feels so real.
I have had the privilege of being Jeanette’s neighbour and I have watched her work on the book. I have seen the hard work she has put into making this book the best it can be.
It is really special for me to see the book finished. I love her illustrations and the story.
I think this book has just the right mixture of factual information and fiction. As you follow Simmy’s journey you learn about the little blue penguin’s environment and about how so many unexpected things can harm their homes and jeopardise their lives.
You also read about Simmy’s story, and at the same time you might discover something about yourself that you didn’t know before. With separated parents, a sick mother and a typical city kid attitude he is very relatable but also unique.
Simmy was created to be who you want Simmy to be, brother, sister, friend and even you, the reader.
A Little Blue is a great book for all ages and I highly recommend it.”
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