What I did like were the four voices, the four separate perspectives. I really didn’t enjoy the choice to make the “people” depicted as monkeys/apes? The one place where it worked for me and that gave me a good laugh was on the sign of the homeless panhandler. This is a wonderful story that could be used to aid children's understanding on a personal, social and emotional level as well as part of an art lesson and I would definitely recommend it as something a little bit different!įrom the cover illustration and from what I’d read about the story, I thought I’d love this book, but I have mixed feelings about it. Bowler hats are also hidden in many of the illustrations reminiscent of Rene Magritte. For instance one illustration displays a snowdrop disguised as a lamp post and 'The Laughing Cavalier' dancing down the road with 'The Mona Lisa' evoking feelings of joy. The more you look at the pictures the more you find hidden. I think the term that would be used to describes them is postmodern, the surreal way they weave popular works of art, distort the landscape and portray adult and child-like themes is stunning. The best parts of this story are the illustrations. Oh and by the way the main characters are all gorillas, although the story appears to be intensely human. Some of the language and opinions conveyed could be quite tricky to explain but could also provoke some interesting conversations. It also explores quite adult issues such as unemployment in a simplistic way.
Both of the children and the parents of the children, are given voices and although on the surface the story appears simple it is actually quite complex as it explores each of the character's individual feelings and personalities. It includes four separate narrative voices, which are emphasised by each having an individual font and is based around an outing to the park.
'Voices in the park' by Anthony Browne is a picture book with a difference.
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