Picture Book Review--Hunwick's Egg by Mem Fox

Bibliography
Fox, Mem. 2005. HUNWICK'S EGG. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 978-0152163181.

Plot Summary
A wild desert storm washes a beautiful egg to the entrance of Hunwick's burrow. Hunwick, a bandicoot, gives the egg a home and becomes its friend. The eggs is actually a stone which Hunwick realizes and decides to remain its friend.

Critical Analysis

Loft's illustrations of the animals, insects, flowers and desert plants connect the story to Australia. The large lizard on the first page leads you to believe the story will be about him. Hunwick appears on the third page as the story unfolds. The other characters are animals native to Australia.

Hunwick listens to his friends criticism about the rock not hatching but he has already determined it was a rock. Children can relate to Hunwick's friendship with a rock eggs as it relates to their friendships with their toys. Most toys can't talk back. A great book for ESL classes. Classmates don't have to speak the same language to be friends.

Good and Bad Reviews:

"This slightly offbeat story with a universal message about the power of friendship is accompanied by glowing watercolor pencil illustrations in orange, pink, and violet tones that showcase the flora and fauna of the Australian landscape, adding an interesting element to this charming title. Young readers will appreciate Hunwick's loyalty and may be curious to learn more about the exotic animals portrayed in the lovely artwork."
Title:
Hunwick's Egg. By: Walkins, Linda L., Jones, Trevelyn E., Toth, Luann, Charnizon, Marlene, Grabarek, Daryl, Raben, Dale, School Library Journal, 03628930, Mar2005, Vol. 51, Issue 3
Database: Academic Search Complete, TWU, accessed Sept. 1, 2008.


"Several disconnects between text and pictures sink this faintly bizarre tale of a solitary elder who adopts an understandably silent confidante."
Title: HUNWICK'S EGG. Kirkus Reviews, 00426598, 1/15/2005, Vol. 73, Issue 2
Database: Academic Search Complete, TWU, accessed Sept. 1, 2008.

Connections

Teachers can allow a show and tell for students to bring their favorite toys that don't make sounds.

Students can draw Hunwick's Egg and decorate it.

Share books on friendships:

Bianco, Margery Williams. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. ISBN 9780385077255

Fox, Mem. KOALA LOU. ISBN 015-200502-1