posted on 30 Sep 2021

Violet’s Tempest by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi

Lantana Publishing’s mission to bring us the very best in illustrated children’s books is given a boost by this  beautiful and sensitive story of a young girl trying to come to terms with her self-consciousness. For so many children the time when they become hyper-aware of the world outside and develop a terrible discomfort at the idea of other people looking at them as the centre of attention can be a socially disabling moment.

Ian Eagleton’s simple story of Violet whose ‘voice has changed from a giggle to a whisper’ shows just how, with a little support from those closest to you and some personal resilience, it’s possible to come to terms with these issues.

Violet has been given the role of Ariel from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, which her teacher, Mr Newland, is producing for the school play. But inside Violet is full of trepidation – not because she can’t remember her lines but because she just can’t stand the idea of all those people looking at her up on the stage.

She tries to find comfort in her lovely nan and her uncles try giving her some tips – but none of it seems to work. As soon as she gets up on stage for rehearsals all she can do is mutter rather than speak her lines with all the magic it needs.

But Mr Newland is a big help and he tells Violet to try and imagine how Ariel must be feeling because in Shakespeare’s play she is a spirit who has been trapped inside a tree and is now free again and able to fly into the open sky. In Violet’s mind she can see herself as Ariel soaring high into the sky.

But when the night of the play comes it still all comes down to Violet herself – can she forget her fears and make Ariel live for the audience? Well, you’ll need to get your own copy of the book to find out how it all ends.

This is a book where the words and illustration works in unison and Clara Anganuzzi gives us fabulous full page, full colour drawings that bring Violet and her family to life. I especially like the depiction of Violet’s big, cuddly nan and Violet’s determined face when she finally steps forward to face the audience

The book is available this month and can be ordered from your local independent bookshop or you can go directly to the Lantana website and order it directly from them.

Terry Potter

October 2021