Timeless

Brenton Cullen: A topical theme in these social media-obsessed days, Timeless tells the tale of Emit, a young boy whose parents are always too preoccupied to pay attention to him. Tired of the rush of modern life with no room for quality family moments, Emit tries his best to stop time. Upon realising time must be made, Emit and his parents enjoy appreciating the smaller moments in life. Kelly Canby pulls double duty as author and illustrator in this deftly poignant and timely picture book. Though the text is emotive and often whimsical, the use of superfluous words takes away from the illustrations, where Canbys talent shines: her vibrant artwork is gorgeously rich, perfectly expressing the busyness of the characters with flurried and hurried brushstrokes. With fine details and subtle intricacies, the artwork enhances the story, in the way only illustrations can. Canby excels at maintaining momentum through Emits ploys to catch time (because time flies) until the predictable yet effective story climax. The illustrations rise above the text, but they do so gloriously, and paint a delicately sensitive story for children aged five and up. Teachers and parents will appreciate the themes of family, quality time and community, which make Timeless ideal for all libraries and bookshelves at home. Brenton Cullen is a Queensland-based bookseller, reviewer, and writer. Books+Publishing is Australias number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Kelly Canby is an internationally published illustrator and author. Kelly was born in London, but has lived in Australia since the age of three, which is probably around the same age she started playing with pencils and crayons, and it was probably only a few years after that she decided playing with pencils and crayons was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.