Always Never Always
Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Publisher: Walker Books Australia
Published: October 2023
Genre: Children's
Everything about Always Never Always, the latest collaboration between author Meg McKinlay and illustrator Leila Rudge, is delightful. From the young bicycle-riding protagonist setting out to ‘follow secret tracks’ accompanied by her duck, to the musicality of McKinlay’s words, to Rudge’s illustrations that contribute a narrative layer not found in the words alone, this is a picture book destined to become a well-thumbed, oft recited favourite.
Always Never Always draws on some of the themes of McKinlay’s previous books such as Once Upon a Small Rhinoceros (also illustrated by Leila Rudge) and Ten Tiny Things (illustrated by Kyle Odgers). It’s about exploring the possibility and wonder of venturing out into the unknown. It’s about slowing down, and noticing what others miss as well as the importance of friendship along the way:
‘Always take a trusted friend,
who’ll stay beside you to the end.
Never grumble if they walk
a little slow, or stop to talk.’
Designed to be read aloud, children will relish the story’s melodic rhythm and rhyme, just as they will love the illustrations, which combine the muted greens and browns of nature and an effective use of white space with brighter bursts of colour for the girl, her duck and an array of other birds and objects.
As Meg McKinlay says in her dedication, this is a book ‘for the little adventurers of the world. And for their ducks.’ The perfect gift for your favourite young reader.