This is a story that will be familiar to many parents and children captured in a delightful, comical, and accepting way. On finding his mum’s lipstick, a little boy does what all children do and applies it to himself. Liking what he sees he is led astray by the lipstick which has a mind of its own and sets him off on the path of lipstick doodles everywhere…even on the cat. The quirky, full page illustrations are of muted tones and colours except for the vivid fuchsia pink of the lipstick doodles. Whilst the text on each page could be read in a second or two the joy of the book is in looking at the fun and creative exuberance in the doodles. The scary toilet seat face, the hearts in his big sister’s room are just a few. When his squiggly creations are discovered, and he realises the error of his ways the whole family help to clean off the lipstick masterpieces, (the annoyance on the face of his sister is beautifully captured). A super story to be shared with children 3-7 leading to lots of discussion points should you so wish.
Jane Macleod
Illustrated by Maria Karipidou
Walker Books ISBN 9781406389555 £12.99
