I have illustrated numerous books over the years, though these two books – ‘Do Not Forget Australia’ (written by Sally Murphy, originally published by Walker Books in 2012), and ‘Song of the Dove’ (written by Errol Broome, originally published by Walker Books in 2011) remain two of my favourites.
They are two quite different books, though I guess the common factor in both of them was that it gave me a chance to immerse myself in completely different eras. I quite enjoyed the research aspect involved in telling both of these stories – I’m sure if I had more time to devote to them they would have become even more detailed, so I guess, for me and my sanity, it is probably a “good thing” that deadlines exist.
‘Do Not Forget Australia’ has recently been republished as a paper back and seems to be the more popular of the two, but I think ‘Song of the Dove’ remains my personal favourite.
REVIEWS FOR ‘SONG OF THE DOVE’:
“This is a sad tale, based on the true story of Vincenzo Bellini, and includes a brief back of book note on his story and his operas. The digital illustration work of Sonia Kretschmar is breathtaking, with mystic elements such as the siren beckoning from the piano as he writes to Maddalena giving the reader much to think about”.
– Sally Murphy, Aussie Reviews
https://aussiereviews.com/2011/10/song-of-the-dove-by-errol-broome-sonia-kretschmar/
……………….
“Song of the Dove is an absolutely stunning retelling of a fateful romance. Older readers who enjoy classical music, or perhaps would like an introduction to it will love this picture book from Errol Broome, and the book includes a list of Bellini’s operas as well as a short biography. But the real show-stopper in this book are the exquisite illustrations by Sonia Kretschmar, which absolutely need to be seen to be believed and perfectly complement this story of love”.
– Holly Harper, children’s book specialist (Readings Carlton)
https://www.readings.com.au/review/song-of-the-dove-by-errol-broome-and-sonia-kretschmar