Fly
Jess McGeachin
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
ISBN: 9781760892562
Awards Year: 2020
Category: The Crichton Award

A beautiful work moving from subdued colour and figures that are more stilted, to a riot of brightness and new freedom as characters move forward. The indoor/outdoor works constantly to reveal non-text information. The way the scarf has been woven into the story (without written mention) demonstrates high level craftsmanship and understanding. Mum's scarf becomes a part of everything; a symbol of presence and warmth around her child's neck, a bird's nest and finally floating away when Lucy’s experience of growth enables her to own a new one. The stunning double-page spread of all the birds represents the community around Lucy. This is the work of a very capable illustrator revealing more than the text is saying.