This beautifully written and illustrated book serves the dual purpose of explaining echos and dealing with being shy. A charming little story that will teach young readers about how to be brave and speak up, and how to help others around us, and perhaps most importantly that sometimes people around us are shy and scared but that doesn't mean they don't want to be friends! The artwork effectively brings to life the succinct, rhyming text and will help readers make sense of it.

The illustrations have enough splashes of bright color to catch a child's eye while maintaining a dark aura, fitting for a cave. When Little Echo realizes that Max is in danger, she finds her courage, and even better, a true friend. Little Echo (represented in a illustration as a mouse) is a tiny and timid creature that lives in a large cave. Just because I’m dirty, / doesn’t mean I can’t get clean” is paired with an image of a youngster taking a bath while another character (possibly an older sibling) sits nearby, smiling. I recommend this picture book as a bedtime story, and as a gift for anyone young or old who reminds the reader of either or both characters!

Now that I have my very own copy, I’m so excited to be able to share my thoughts about it with the world. A genuinely charming story of a little boy playing in a cave, and the small echo who wanted to play too--instead of just echoing. When he gets into danger the little echo plucks up the courage to do something other than repeat the last things people say!

This would make a very nice bedtime story and certainly one I would highly recommend to those who enjoy artistic illustrations! Too afraid to speak, she simply echos what she hears: the cacophony of owls and the clamor of a young boy named Max scraping his shovel against the surface of a rock during his treasure-seeking adventures. I love the underground cross section that shows you the caves and tunnels, you see bats hanging upside down reading, bees enjoying a glass of something, and in my favourite cave, some fox-like creatures are sprawled on the floor doing some drawing! I was over the moon when I discovered it was being published by Puffin Books and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy! The bright yellow creature longs to join the cave’s other inhabitants as they frolic and play, but her terrible timidity keeps her silent and watchful.I added the tag of mental health issues since this book could help adults talk to young children about overcoming shyness, making friends in a new situation, or even being different from others (an echo rather than a material figure.

Sometimes something you want is bigger than your fear, and that is a good way to start the adventure of reaching out. The illustrations are perfect for a cave adventure - and beautiful layered in light builds in to compliment Echo's journey! When the daring adventurer comes along, Little Echo’s whole world visibly brightens as she first follows his light and then begins to find her own. I like the way Max and Little Echo accept each other and work together--as any good adventure team would. It is too afraid to show itself and would only echo behind any sounds made by other creatures living in the cave.But if you have a child like me who fears shadows and hates everything “mean”, maybe wait until they are older. Straightforward and charming, Little Echo will be especially loved by readers who know well the struggle to speak up. Witty, digitally rendered vignettes portray youngsters diverse in terms of race and ability (occasionally with pets looking on) dealing with everything from friendship drama to a nerve-wracking footrace.

Having spent many years working with children, she discovered a love of picture books and began writing her own. And Little Echo wants to help him, but is too shy and scared, until they pluck up enough courage to use their own voice and say their own words! Additionally, it’s ideal for preschool and early elementary school educators to use as a resource for teaching compassion and understanding. A story from a stunning new author-illustrator about a special friendship, the nature of play, conflict and compromise, and about how much richer life is when you work out how to share it.The friendship that develops between Little Echo and Max is very sweet and a great example for kids. Wish it could be a few pages longer, but no matter the length it is very good book to read to children or for first readers. He studied children’s book illustration at Cambridge School of Art and received the 2019 Sebastian Walker Prize.