Millie's special something



Cox, Tania & Miller, David. Millie's special something, Adelaide, S.a. : Working Title Press, 2012.

Tania Cox's picture book is an enchanting tale of a young dinosaur's quest for courage and self-esteem.  Millie is a pretty, feathered dinosaur blessed with good dinosaur friends.  The story opens with them all happily playing hide and seek but big, bad Reggie loves to scare Millie and the game is soon forgotten as Millie's friends defend her with their individual "special something" that makes them feel brave.  Will Millie find her "special something"?  Will she ever feel brave?  The author's voice is kind and caring and although set in the distant past the subject matter and themes are contemporary.  The pacing is slow allowing young readers to examine the beautiful illustrations.  David Miller's 3D paper sculptures greatly enhance the story providing colour, pathos and humour.  (Age 5-7 years, Themes - Courage and self esteem.)