Hunwick's Egg

Hunwick's Egg is a 2005 children's picture book by Mem Fox and illustrated by Pamela Lofts. It is about a bilby who finds an egg and after taking care of it comes to realise that is actually a rock, but continues to look after it just the same.

Hunwick's Egg

Author	Mem Fox
Illustrator	Pamela Lofts
Language	English
Genre	Adults picture book
Published	2005 (Penguin Books)
Publication place	Australia
Media type	Print (hardback)
Pages	32 (unpaginated)
ISBN	9780670042302
OCLC	224265719

Reception

Hunwick's Egg received mixed reviews with Kirkus Reviews calling it "a rare miss",^[1] and Publishers Weekly said that "despite the lovely vistas, the ending here may well be a letdown to readers".^[2]

Booklist was somewhat critical: "The abrupt conclusion is puzzling, and the layouts, featuring small inset scenes surrounded by creatures and plants set against white backgrounds, don't always make the most of Lofts' striking, detailed, colored-pencil art". The review concluded: "But children will easily be drawn to Lofts' astonishingly expressive animal characters, and Fox's gentle text may resonate with young ones who feel a magical connection or companionship with their own cherished rock, shell, or shred of blanket".^[3]

Hunwick's Egg has also been reviewed by the School Library Journal,^[4] Horn Book Guides,^[5] Library Media Connection,^[6] Bookseller+Publisher Review,^[7] and Magpies.^[8]

References

1. "Hunwick's Egg". Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Media LLC. 15 January 2005. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
2. "Hunwick's Egg". Publishers Weekly. PWxyz LLC. 24 January 2005. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
3. Gillian Engberg (2005). "Hunwick's Egg". Booklist. American Library Association. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
4. Linda L. Walkins. "Hunwick's Egg". School Library Journal. Media Source Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2021. This slightly offbeat story with a universal message about the power of friendship is accompanied by glowing watercolor pencil illustrations in orange, pink, and blue tones that showcase the flora and fauna of the Australian landscape, adding an interesting element to this charming title.
5. "Hunwick's Egg". Horn Book Guides. Media Source Inc. Retrieved 25 September 2021. The somewhat melancholy story is suitably paired with delicate, fine-lined illustrations.
6. Kathleen McBroom. "Hunwick's Egg". Library Media Connection. Linworth Publications. Retrieved 25 September 2021. Mem Fox and illustrator Pamela Lofts have teamed up to create another winsome tale. ... The simple narrative blends seamlessly with the rich, watercolor pencil illustrations, which spill out of their frames and trail across pages.
7. Chris Page (2005). "Hunwick's Egg". booksandpublishing.com.au. Books+Publishing. Retrieved 25 September 2021. Another picture book from Mem Fox that will delight and please both teachers and parents. The natural rhythm of the text makes it a joy to read aloud. Fox has the ability to bring her books alive, right from the start the reader knows they are beginning a wonderful journey. ... Not only useful but a must.
8. Rayma Turton (March 2005). "Hunwick's Egg". Magpies: Talking About Books For Children. Vol. 20, no. 1. Magpies Magazine. p. 28. ISSN 0817-0088.

External links

• Library holdings of Hunwick's Egg