Punch!
Michael Hall
Greenwillow

‘GRRRRRR!’ goes Badger showing that he’s on the lookout for trouble as he sets off for the forest.
Before long he’s tripped Frog, shoved Moose, kicked Elephant, and given Bear a poke with a shovel.
Bear draws up a plan to teach their friend a lesson. Badger is to receive a punch from Bear,

a belt from Frog and not one but two socks from Moose and as he plants some flowers,

a slug from Elephant.

Then, all of a sudden Badger plants a smack right on the pachyderm’s nose.

The following day when Bear is stung on the paw by a bee, and is in need of some comfort, Badger reciprocates showing that he’s back to his normal self.

What we’re shown but is never mentioned in the words, is the reason for Badger’s behaviour: he’s grieving for his pet, Snaily. Fortunately he has friends that realise he’s upset and in need of support. What we’re also shown is that words can be deceptive; in this story their true meaning is conveyed in Michael Hall’s blocky collage constructed visuals.

With its message about the need to show kindness towards someone who is hurting, this book is a fine demonstration of how important it is for children to develop visual literacy.