We’re Stuck!
Sue deGennaro
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781760663476
Awards Year: 2020
Category: The Book of the Year: Early Childhood

This uplifting, relatable story focuses on themes of friendship, community and belonging. Set in the lift of an apartment building where the occupants have minimal, cursory interactions, everything changes when the lift breaks down. The occupants find themselves stuck with each other in the lift and they come together to contribute something to the makeshift celebrations to brighten Turtle's special day. Whimsical illustrations use ink, pencil and collage to give life to the anthropomorphised, quirky characters and add unique details to clothing and appearance. Each character has distinctive clothing or accessories depicting their occupation, inviting participation and discussion by younger readers. The design of the book is wonderful; with an appealing front cover and endpapers that match the lift’s interior decor. The front cover illustration is bright, inviting and appealing to the target audience. The first pages cleverly portray familiar domestic scenes while introducing characters we later meet, one by one. Young children will relate to the sense of community and feelings of belonging in this well-written book where text and illustrations harmonise beautifully to tell a charming story.