Big Gorilla
Anthony Browne
Walker Books

Rarely I think, has so much artistry gone into a book of opposites as this one. From the cover, onto the title page and throughout the other spreads are show stopping portraits of primates. ‘What’s the opposite of old? asks the first sentence; turn over and there is the one word answer, ‘Young’ opposite which is a very small, pinkish coloured, thumb sucking infant gorilla. Sad, followed by happy are illustrated on the next two spreads, happy being portrayed by a blissful looking chimp holding a single flower. Then come heavy and its opposite, light, alone and together (observant readers will spot several intruders in the crowd.),

and BIG and small.

The next question is more tricky asking, ‘What’s the opposite of opposite?’ ’The same!’ comes the response with its illustration of a somewhat puzzled primate.

With a touch of the illustrator’s trademark surrealism, this is wonderful celebration of primates of all kinds, some of which followers of Anthony Browne might perhaps recognise from previous books of his. Exquisite illustrations of such wonders as orangutans and chimpanzees, not to mention the odd gorilla will delight readers of all ages.