Spark

Description

Essentially 'Spark' is a story about a bushfire told from the fire’s own perspective. Sounds simple… but it really is so much more. As many bushfires do, this one ignites from a simple cigarette butt thrown onto dry grass, it joins the wind and together they play. Fire is excited to have a new friend and delights in flying through the forest. It is only when the wind takes control and begins to bully its new friend that the fun stops. The fire appeals to the wind to stop but meanwhile they destroy homes and bushland. The potential for learning from this book is enormous. With limited text it is easy to see the power of verbs and adjectives, deconstruct first person writing and character values. For other learning the literal meaning of the text may lead to endless discussions upon topics of arson leading to Ash Wednesday, or why fire is not always a bad thing in the Australian bush. This story also lends itself to a deeper learning about friendships and the qualities that make successful or unsuccessful relationships – always a current issue in schools. The beauty of an outstanding picture book is the illustrations that take the story to a level beyond the text, richly enhancing it. That is exactly what happens here. Adam Wallace has excelled in his creation of this story beautifully supported with text and illustrations from Andrew Plant. I have read 'Spark' repeatedly, each time marvelling at the finished product!