Picture Book Review: BIG CAT
by Jess Racklyeft
I’m gonna start by saying that I have loved every single book I’ve read that Jess Racklyeft has worked on. She’s an award-winning author/illustrator who’s published around 30 (although it could be more) children’s books whether as illustrator or author/illustrator.
Jess was one of the SCBWI Bologna Scholarship winners in 2023, just in case you needed further proof that she’s a brilliant creator who deserves all the accolades!
But when I saw Jess had written a book titled BIG CAT that incorporates the big cat myth here in Australia, I was a little annoyed. I want to write a story about big cats in Australia! I even have an unfinished MG novel that features a big cat out in the bush! Not fair, hmmph!
Okay, okay, I wasn’t actually annoyed. More than one person can write about a topic, duh, and what I want to write won’t even be close to Jess’s story. What I really did after hearing about this book was immediately add BIG CAT to my to-buy list.
However, I ended up being lucky enough to nab this book in a comp through the State Library of NSW. Thank you very much to the library and the publisher Allen & Unwin.
Main character, Catherine, is a 7-year-old investigator who likes things to be neat and clean and organised. She’s fascinated when she hears about big cats in Australia and she makes a plan and sets out to find one. When she does, though, Big Cat is ‘… rather lawless … indeed, at times, somewhat chaotic.’ Yet, they find they have much more in common than first thought and they make discoveries together.
Sculptures and artworks from Melbourne feature throughout the story, which makes for a wonderful exploration of the city through an artistic lens, and now I want to go back asap to see if I can find these treasures too.
BIG CAT is a story about letting go a little to embrace the wild within; getting your shoes dirty, going off-track and exploring the excitement of the world around you.
Plus, of course, the illustrations are divine. Just look at that gorgeous spread below!
I acknowledge the Darkinyung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and I pay my respects to the Elders past and present.
I love Claire Saxby's book, ICEBERG, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft! The double gatefold underwater scene is a show-stopper! I haven't seen Big Cat, yet, but I'll add it to my TBR list. Thanks for the rec!
I really cannot believe I have never heard about the myth of big cats! I will have to speak sternly to my friends in Australia for not alerting me to this legend! I just requested our library add this book since they don't have it.