Mem Fox shares her inspiration for ‘Wilfrid Gordon Macdonald Partridge: ‘I decided to write a book that might bring children and the elderly together in the hope that teachers might initiate the inter-generational contact.’
‘There was once a small boy called Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and his house was next door to an old people’s home.’ In that home lives Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper who is 96 years old. Wilfrid knows all the people who live there, but his favourite person is Miss Nancy. She has lost her memory, and Wilfrid sets out to restore it. He asks all the elderly residents what is a memory? They respond in different ways: something warm; something from long ago; something that makes you cry; something that makes you laugh; something as precious as gold. Wilfrid then shares his own memories of these emotions. He brings to Miss Nancy shells, a puppet, his grandfather’s medal, his football and a warm egg from under the hen. Miss Nancy recalls her long ago memories.
Fox’s language is a special strength of this story with many sound-alike words and phrases that feature assonance, alliteration and repetition with a poetic flair. Both text and story have a softly rounded feel that matches the warm and gentle nature of this universal story. Julie Vivas’ illustrations in soft, warm watercolours astutely reflect the elderly peoples’ individual personalities. Vivas sets each person against soft white pages ensuring that each person has an individual and memorable character. Illustrations and text are a perfect blend of empathy and devotion.
This picture book has been widely translated and recreated in many formats thus ensuring a wide audience. These include a film adaptation by Weston Woods (US), a musical score for a string quartet performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and a stage performance at the Sydney Opera House.
Picture Books for Older Readers
