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Writer's pictureNZ Booklovers

Shh! We Have a Plan, by Chris Haughton


Four friends go walking through the woods. They spot a beautiful bird perched on a branch. They want it…but can they catch it? Shh, they have a plan! That it is a good plan, however, cannot be guaranteed.


Shh! We Have a Plan is the gorgeously illustrated new picture book from award-winning illustrator Chris Haughton. It is a beautiful story about listening to the littlest folk, about hearing their ideas instead of hushing them, and allowing their innocent wisdom to have a voice. It is also a tale about unquenchable desire, and how that often leads to good plans going bad. This book is a reminder that kindness is likely to go a lot further than anything else.


The stylised images and effective colour scheme of the illustrations make Shh! We Have a Plan interesting and exciting for both young and older readers. (For those already familiar with Haughton’s picture books, this one has a blue cover, to join the green and orange covers of his previous books.) It is a sharp, witty and funny read that will give children a good giggle, while also filling them with wonderment as they follow the magnificent, colourful bird.


A wonderful, expressive addition to children’s literature, Shh! We Have a Plan is a must for Haughton enthusiasts, and highly recommended as a gift book for young readers.

REVIEWER: Emma Codd

TITLE: Shh! We Have a Plan

AUTHOR(S): Chris Haughton

PUBLISHER: Walker Books

RRP: $27.99


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