The Sunday Age Review of 'The Thirsty Flowers'

‘THE THIRSTY FLOWERS, Tony Wilson; ills., Julie Knoblock, Hardie Grant, $24.95’
Frances Atkinson,
M Magazine,
The Sunday Age, 1/10/06

Mad Jack McCann is a nasty piece of work. Each day, his poor, neglected flowers slowly die as he washes the leaves from his concrete driveway. One night, Doctor Hydrangea delivers his gloomy prognosis: unless the flowers get water soon, they'll be nothing but withered stalks. The only plant not bothered by the drought is Cactus, who is as cool as a cucumber. If the water won't come to them, can the flowers go to the water? Tony Wilson's book is a joy to read. Inspired by Dr Seuss and Henry Lawson, his poem-like text romps along. Julie Knoblock's illustrations are joyful and every bit as good as Wilson's story.