Other book projects by illustrator and co-author, Jules Ober

Tarni's Chance

When Tarni’s mum says goodbye, all the colour and joy of life seem to go with her. Tarni retreats into her bubble.
But then Chance steps in . . .

Miniatures and photography by Jules Ober. Story by Paul Collins.

A 32 page picture book published by Ford Street Publishing, Melbourne, Australia.

Tarni-4-5

Tarni-8-9

Tarni-10-11

Tarni-16-17

Tarni-14-15

Tarni-30-31

Jules created and photographed the miniature sets on a table by her window during lockdown in Melbourne, winter 2020.

Reviews

As much as the text in this narrative of family breakdown, self-doubt and anxiety echoes the feelings of loss and loneliness that so many readers will have felt, it is the illustrations that make it so special.  Beginning in deep shades of grey as her parents argue, with the only colour being Tarni and her guitar, her bubble of music, a monochromatic scheme that continues as Tarni comes to grip with her loss, finding solace only in solo activities like drawing and reading, gradually being consumed by the grey of her grief.  Using handmade miniatures set against black and white photography, the reader is drawn deeper into Tarni's world, but then Tarni spots a stray, ragged dog, seemingly as lost as she is, and there is a ray of hope.  Brief though it is, it shows both the reader and Tarni that there is still a glimmer of colour in the world, and when the dog returns the grey gradually disappears. 

While this is not the first book to use colour to depict mood and emotion in this way, and the use of miniatures and photography was a feature of the 2020 CBCA shortlisted The Good Son, nevertheless it is a powerful representation that those who have passed through the grey of grief will relate to, and those who are still in it will be buoyed by the prospect that colour still exists and step by step they will find it. 

Barbara Braxton

Teacher Librarian

M.Ed.(TL), M.App.Sci.(TL), M.I.S. (Children's Services)

Dromkeen Librarian's Award 2003

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"Paul Collins and Jules Ober have created a picture book brimming with poignancy and emotion, the text and illustration simultaneous captivating its audience and tugging tightly at the heartstrings until the very last page"

"... Ober's unique method of 'illustrating' through photographs of miniatures, and her brilliant technique of colour splashes slowly seeping into the black and white pictures as protagonist Tarn's life becomes more hopeful, not only enhance the text but creates a concurrent story of its own"

"Collins has woven a story of sparse words, yet mountains of subtext, and the poignancy of the subtle text rings loud and true. 'Tarni's Chance' begins as heartbreaking yet the protagonist's hopes soar as the story goes on, and so does the reader's"

Magpies Magazine

GOODREADS