AustLit

In her review of the latest collaborative effort from Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood, Clancy & Millie and the Very Fine House, Allen says the 'limited color palette' and 'spare text' creates a 'thoughtful composition' that heightens the emotional impact of the story. Clancy has moved from a 'cosy weatherboard cottage' to a mutili-level mansion in a canyon of concrete dwellings' and despite his parent's enthusiasim for their new home, "It's the best house...It's a very fine dwelling', he feels very lost and lonely (20). Allen points out, how Clancy's vulnerability is accentuated and exaggerated and it is the depiction of his emotions that 'provide the catylyst for the satisfying resolution' (20). With his new neighbour Millie, he constructs a towering cardboard house, to which Millie remarks, 'It's the best house. It's a very fine dwelling' (20). Allen concludes that the story will 'undoubtedly strike a chord with many young children who have shared this experience and for its genuine and honest depiction' (20).