Bronwyn



Sunday Chutney is the story of a girl who has travelled the world because of her father's job, created by an Australian writer and illustrator. Sunday is always the new girl in school and has trouble with making friends and coping with bullies. We follow Chutney as she tells us about her glamorous life of sightseeing and adventure which makes us wonder whether she would rather stay in the one place. Aaron Blabey has written four picture books in total, illustrating them too. His career began in acting, taking many television and theatre roles. He then become interested in art, incorporating an individual style of illustration with his story ideas for children. Married to Kristie Hutton and originally born in Bendigo Victoria, the author is renowned for his enriching children's books, some of which are pictured below. Sunday Chutney was published in 2008 so it is a modern storybook intended for mainly western societies but anyone can read and enjoy the book because the main character enjoys all the world and its people have to offer.

  I chose this book because I remember looking at it during my art class in primary school and seeing how the illustrator used a particular style of art to make his book stand out from the others. The enscription that reads //'for the new kids'// reminds both children and adults that we all feel like new kids when we make the transitions in our lives, regardless of whether it is to a school, sporting club or workplace.

This book, as with all books, has as many meanings as you can interpret. There are a few major messages, for starters, the notion that we should spare a thought for the new kids or outcasts because they may have a lot to share if we get to know them. Secondly, despite Chutney's whimsically childlike attitude, she still teaches us that it is important not to let bullies and grumps get to us, that our imaginations and memories can help us to cope. We also learn that it is important to acknowledge the things that upset us so that they do not continue to bother us further.

These messages can be seen through textual techniques such as repetition and indications of a change in emotion and therefore intonation.

 The picture above is a page from the book. Because the words are spread out in a 'list' fashion, the reader/audience is given more time to notice and appreciate each illustration and agree with what they read/hear.

Another technique used is the way in which Chutney is depicted, slightly nerdy and dorky, we are likely to either assimilate her with ourselves and feel an instant connection with the character.

Aaron Blabey has done a tremendous job in creating a heartwarming character and story that any person of any age can relate to and learn from. With Chutney's childish charm and enthusiasm, she shows us that there is more to a book than it's cover and more to a new kid than their lazy eye.